Mac OS X forum: How do I get the microphone to work?

Thank you for the advice, however, a $100 mic is out of my price range.

I don't understand what is the problem with my internal mic.

Look at others but I'm sorry to have shared just the Cadillac of USB mics.
Bob

http://www.walmart.com/ip/V7-USB-Digital-Headset-with-Noise-Cancelling-Microphone/19767036


Before you do that, create another Admin account on that machine and log into it.

Do you have the same problem with the built-in Mic now?

P

I sure do have the problem with my built-in!

When I search, my computer DOES have an on-board mic... I have found the volume setting and it's turned up to its max. Still nothing at all! I get a flicker on the bars but it still does not register my voice, even when I holler! I tried when this 5 year old mac was new and had no luck then either. I keep trying and giving up. But surely there's some setting I'm missing?! It HAS to work!

I accept I might need a powerful mic to chat... fine. However, there's got to be something going on with the built-in.

I just realized you spoke of creating another admin account.
I'm afraid I have no idea how to do that... or why would I be doing it anyway?

I'm in Canada, so that Walmart set is available in the States. Oddly enough it's not at all for sale in the Canadian Walmarts. Weird.
However, I see your point: they needn't cost $100.

I really appreciate the help.

is to eliminate the possibility of the problem being account related.

Open System Preferences, Users and Groups, and unlock the pane with your Admin password. (If necessary)

Now click the + sign, change the New Account to Administrator
then fill in all the other boxes. (DO NOT use the same name as your original account)
When finished, hit the Create User button.

Now go to the Apple Menu, top left corner of the screen, and log out.
At the login screen, choose the name of the new account, and log in.

Now check the microphone using Skype.

Any difference?

P