Microphone not working

The microphone on my laptop stopped working. I have done a lot of trouble shooting without success. Before I conclude that it is a hardware problem, can I ask if there is anything else I should do.

My System:

• ASUS S500CA laptop
• Windows 10 Home X64 version 1909
• VIA HD Audio - (for speakers and microphone)

Here's what happened:

• The microphone was working perfectly (on Skype).
• The next day it didn't work on a Skype call

Here's is a brief summary of what I have done:

• The only thing that changed between these two Skype calls were a couple of Windows updates
• I tried to remove all the recent Windows updates - didn't fix it
• One update (4577670) couldn't be uninstalled so I restored the system to a date prior to the successful SKYPE - didn't work
• I ran the Win trouble shooter - it reported no problem
• I tried to update the sound/microphone driver - reported that I had the best driver
• Checked the driver version (Provider - Microsoft, Date - 2019-03-18, Version, 10.0.18362.1)
• Checked driver details (Report- No driver files are required or have been loaded for this device)
• Updated to the latest Win 10 version (20H2) - didn't help
• The speakers are working correctly.
• I tried all of the above with the internal microphone as well as an external microphone (I tested all microphone alternatives in the setup - headset, external other)

Is there anything else that I should try before giving up?

Hello @dsscottage

First, you have to go to Control panel / Sound => Recording tab and check if your mic is set as default. If so, double click on it (Properties), go to Levels tab and see if it's muted.


Then, you may go to Settings / Privacy => Microphone and see if "Microphone access for this device" and "Allow apps access your microphone" are both ON.

HeM,
Thank you for your response.

Sorry if my summary was too brief. In the interest of brevity, I didn't include everything that I examined.

I did check the settings that you mentioned and they were all correct.

As I was doing further investigations last night, the mic started to work and I hadn't changed anything other than to move the laptop to another location. Subsequently, it stopped working again.

I found that when I tapped the laptop case, the mic picked up the tapping but didn't pick up my voice when the laptop was still. Further manipulation seems to indicate that there is something in the mic circuitry that is loose. Therefore, I'm pretty sure that I have a hardware problem.

I'm going to "grit my teeth" and take the case apart to see if there is anything obviously loose. The most likely culprit is a loose contact in the microphone jac.

Thank you again for your suggestion.

dsscottage said:

... I'm going to "grit my teeth" and take the case apart to see if there is anything obviously loose. ...

You're welcome and good luck!