Hi, In the control panel, in the audio tab, you need to be sure your microphone is highlighted as the recording input device. Also, be sure the recording volume is up as much as possible. Then in Studio Recorder, go into the menu, right arrow to options, and up arrow to "select wave devices" or press control plus w as the shortcut to get there. Be sure the recording device is your microphone by highlighting it, then tab to the ok button. By the way, in control panel, when you change something, tab to the "apply" button first and press that with space bar; then go to OK to exit. The apply button makes your settings apply to your configuration immediately. Hope this helps. Mary