Hi, the problem is unresolved. Unfortunately, I have a virus on that laptop which I'm trying to remove! Until I get rid of it I can't make any progress with the microphone issue. I'm currently using a much older laptop to access CC. I will try the mic on this one and see if it works ok.
Thanks for all your help, any further suggestions welcomed and I shall try them once my other laptop is working properly again.
Alrighty, then. I hope I can help ya out!
First, go to your "control panel". (You can access the control panel in your "Start Menu" or by using the "Search Bar" which is also in the "start menu" in order to find it, but you must have "Cortana" on in order to use it, unless you already have it on.)
From the "Control Panel", click on "Hardware and Sound". Move down to "Sound" and click on "Manage Audio Devices".
After that, click on the tab called "Recording". If your mic is plugged in, you should see it, as well as a "vertical bar" to the right (->) of it. Double Click on the mic you wish to use, and another window will pop up. Move to the tab that says, "Levels". You should see two "volume bars", on labeled with the name of your mic, and the other is labeled "Microphone Boost". Raise the volume and/or mic boost as you want them to be. At the right of the first volume bar, you should see a little "Speaker" icon. If it is turned off, turn it on. After that, click on "apply" and "ok" below those bars, if needed.
Now, if the mic you are using does not have a "green check" symbol next to it, right click on it, then choose "Enable". Feel free to check your if your speakers are on in the "Playback" tab, if you feel they are not on.(Make sure to right click and choose "Show Disabled Devices" and "Show Disconnected Devices" and turn that option on.) If you speak into your mic, the "vertical bar" that is next to your chosen mic will respond, if the settings are set properly.
After that, you should be set.
So, in short: "Control Panel" > "HardWare And Sound" > "Sound" > "Manage Audio Devices" > (Double Click The Mic Icon) > "Levels"
Hope this helps! If not, roll on back and I'll see what I can do for ya, if I can.
Now back to the microphone problem ... don't you just love computers? 