Headset mic refuses to work

[FGBullet]

I have a SoundBlaster Z series soundcard with a headset plugged into the 3.5mm jacks. A few days ago the headset mic stopped working. I plugged in another backup headset and that mic refuses to work as well. It won't work in windows or in game. Pulled out the beamforming mic that came with the soundcard and it works fine. Can't figure out why the headset mic refuses to work.

This really has me baffled and I'd appreciate any help.

[Rich46yo]

I know this sounds simple but some head sets have switches that mute the mic.

You havnt told us if the audio works in the screwed up head set or not.

Is this head set USB or analog mic in? Are you certain your putting the right mic cable into the right input?

Right click the audio icon on the lower right of your screen and see what its telling you about that mic. Make sure its selected with the check mark. Select it, go to propertys, and see if you can hear yourself when you check "listen to this device".

[FGBullet]

I know this sounds simple but some head sets have switches that mute the mic.

You havnt told us if the audio works in the screwed up head set or not.

Is this head set USB or analog mic in? Are you certain your putting the right mic cable into the right input?

Right click the audio icon on the lower right of your screen and see what its telling you about that mic. Make sure its selected with the check mark. Select it, go to propertys, and see if you can hear yourself when you check "listen to this device".

Not muted

Audio works in the headset

Analog mic in

I've tried the property settings. The mic does nothing after clicking "listen to this device". Works fine when I plug in the beamforming mic.

Thanks

[captain1ma]

you could try removing the card drivers and let it redetect it with a reboot. sometimes that fixes problems.

[Ack-Ack]

Not muted

Audio works in the headset

Analog mic in

I've tried the property settings. The mic does nothing after clicking "listen to this device". Works fine when I plug in the beamforming mic.

Thanks

If you can, try using your headset on another computer and see if the headset microphone works.  This way you will be able to verify if it's a hardware or software issue.

[FGBullet]

you could try removing the card drivers and let it redetect it with a reboot. sometimes that fixes problems.

Thanks Cap. Tried that but it didn't work.

[FGBullet]

If you can, try using your headset on another computer and see if the headset microphone works.  This way you will be able to verify if it's a hardware or software issue.

Headset works fine on another computer. Thanks Ack.

[FGBullet]

SoundBlaster support could not resolve the issue and recommend purchasing another headset from a different manufacturer. For whatever reason, the jack refuses to recognize my headset, even though I've used it for a couple years.

Purchased a USB headset and it works fine.

Thanks for the help! 

[Mano]

I was having trouble with my mic not working. I made sure in windows that any other sound device was disabled in the control panel. The issue is solved (at least for me). Check it out FGBullet

<S>