Starting Skype

[tearinghair]

I'm making a first attempt at using Skype. Have downloaded all the software, and verified that the webcam is working, but I can't get any sound on the mic. It appears to be correctly inserted at the back of the computer, and it is switched on...have tried the skype echo/sound test, and am getting the message that it isn't configured correctly. Actually I've never used the mic since the computer was installed, and it seems to have been switched on all the time. Is there anything else I should try, or do you think the mic is faulty>

[bazwillrun]

Have you checked the mic is active in your operating system (Windows ?) is selected and the volume is up.

Usually the volume and mixer control is a small loudspeaker icon in the bottom right of your screen in the system tray area where the time is.
right click it and one of the choices is usually "recording devices", left click it and you should see a list of devices one of which should say microphone.

Thats where you can activate it and make sure the volume is up and if theres a mic boost control turn tha up also.

if the icon is not in the system tray you will need to go to your Control Panel then select Sounds and activate it from there

[tearinghair]

Thank you for that, Bazwillrun. I've done as you suggested, but am getting the message 'the computer did not hear you very clearly'. Have tried several times but there is only a very slight flicker showing on the colour bar, and I expect that means I won't be audible on Skype. There is no mute button on the mic as far as I can see. It's an old mic - goes back to my previous computer when I was using XP (now Windows 7). Perhaps I should get a new one.

[SlackAlice]

It's possible the mic's faulty but try cleaning the jackplug and make sure its fully inserted first. I'm assuming this is a standalone mic?

What about your webcam, a lot of them come with a built in Mic?

[bazwillrun]

on the mic setup part of the mixer for most mics theres is usually a mic level boost from around 10 -30db have you clicked on this.

here is what mine looks like in Win 7

[IMG]http://i46.tinypic.com/2u5yz29.jpg[/IMG]

[tearinghair]

Thanks again, bazwillrun and sorry for the delay - have been glued to the Olympics.

I tried your suggestion - very warily, because it was all beginning to look a bit technical - and found a thing (sorry!) that allowed me to boost the mic volume. Did the Skype echo test again and it's much clearer. So all is set for a first conversation with family in USA. I'm really grateful.