Microphone wont work?

Hey guys I had vista right and then I decided I didn't like it so I wiped it and install XP Profesional. Everything is moderately alright however I do have a big problem, my microphone doesn't work (in a way). I know it doesn't seem like a big issue but I'm a BIG gamer and for those of you who game a lot online I'm sure you know how important the mic is especially in FPS games.

Anyway. I've tried installing the drivers for my onboard sound card yet that didn't fix the problem, whenever I try to use my mic everyone just hears this awefull crackling sound, no voice, no matter how loud I talk, the cracle ends up turning into a siren sounding thing. Anyway it also does this in the microsoft microphonee thing where you say all that rubbish and then listen to yourself saying it.

Ok now the wierd part.. when I'm not doing anything (recording wise) I can hear myself through my headset. Like I can talk into my mic and its as if I'm ii a voice conversation with myself, all the sound and voice goes straight through into my headset.

Kinda confused about all this to be honest, never had a problem like this before.


Any suggestions or help?


Ta in advance.