common microphone problem

I posted this in the hardware section but it could be software related
so here it is:

My mic just decided to stop working. The only thing I did to my computer before this problem occured is that I downloaded two video game demos (call of duty 2 and F.E.A.R.). The mic worked fine before that. I've searched the forums and I can see that this is a common problem where the mic volume stays really low. I've checked the volume levels, made sure microphone boost was checked, and looked at the suggested solutions on practically every thread to no avail (it seems no one else has been helped by this as well). I'm thinking maybe an onboard device may be broken or ruined in some way. But its just a guess. I would greatly appreciate any help I can get. Thanks.

My specs are as follows:

windows xp pro
asus a8n-vm csm mobo
athalon 3200
1 gig corsair DDR RAM
80 GB western digital HD
evga 6800 GS video card

 

One thread is fine.

Please do not multiple post across the forums.