I have just purchased Dragon voice recognition software. In loading the program it appears that my microphone facility does not work. I have checked the connection plug to ensure they are in the correct scokets.

Is their any way that I can determine if this is a software or hardware problem?

Running XP Home OS

Thanks

The microphone is a usually a generic device that will operate without DNS.

Plug it in, go into your Control Panel to Sound and Audio Devices, click on VOICE, make your device selection and then click on TEST HARDWARE.

If you can't get it working in generic mode, the other programs won't be able to use it either.

I also use SKYPE for voice calls (free computer to computer calls), so it's easy to test there, too.

Under took test and the result was 'voice was not detected' so I gusss it is a hardware problem -Correct

Fortunately, any device you buy now to replace it (maybe a webcam/microphone combo!) can be returned if you get it home and it turns out that NOTHING seems to want to work as a microphone, pointing to deeper issues in the OS (or perhaps your speakers... hehe.)

Thank you for the additional information. The speakers work with music and windows player so I am surmising that they are okay. I have never used a microphone in the system since I brought the computer in 2005 so it may be an undetected fault from way back.

I guess it is a job for some one with more skill than me and thanks you for giving me the benefit of your advice

Are you sure the Mic is good?
Try another source of audio to Mike input.

Thanks Stratmando I have tried another Microphone-same result so it is on it way to the fixit shop

Regards