I had an Inspiron 5160 that had numerous problems.  One problem was the external microphone I bought did not work for voice playback and more specifically Microsoft Dialer.  I called Dell Tech Support as the computer was still under warranty, and performed numerous diagnostics, etc.  The microphone was not defective as it worked with the voice recorder and passed all the hardware tests.  I did not want to record my voice, I wanted the ability to make phone calls, specifically for when I was on hold or long phone calls (as with Dell Tech Support).  I was unable to access any kind of microphone or line volume contols through the control panel, nor was able to add the microphone volume controls for the playback through the properties option on the volume control panel.   I contacted Sigma Tel Audio who manufactures the driver and they said all they were responsible for was the design, and to contact the computer manufacturer.  After surviving 12 documented hours spanning 25 seperate phone calls, 6 seperate supervisors failing to return promised follow-up calls (for this issue and many others), reformatting my harddrive and reinstalling windows twice (for seperate issues), I finally convinced Dell my computer had a problem and they agreed to send me an upgraded new computer for my troubles.  My replacement computer was the XPS M1710, which needless to say blows my Inspiron out of the water.  I still am unable to plug an external microphone into the jack and use it for voice play back and Microsoft Dialer.  I called Dell Tech Support again today and after spending over an hour doing the same diagnostics, etc, the support agent came back after placing me on hold for 10 minutes and said that she just found out that Dell Laptops are unable to perform voice playback functions, is this true?  I don't understand how I can talk to at least 10 seperate people, many of them supervisors, about this specific microphone issue and no one could know that microphones dont work with Dell laptops.  I even called a Dell outlet during this long ordeal to see that if I acted like a new customer and asked him if I was buying a new laptop and wanted to plug a mic in and use it for voice playback  if it would work, and they said yes.  Am I being bs-ed by the tech support?  If this is true, why dont Dell Laptops perform this function?  Please help.

Dude I got a Dell XPS M170 laptop and i was pleased in the begining and now its down hill.  I found out my 2k system doesnt have an internal mic.  WHAT THE ---- is up with that.  A system without a mic.  I bitched to Dell on this after the machine was mine and they said alot of people dont like the internal ones.  What does it cost, maybee 25 bucks to fix a mic in there.  I got screwed on many calls asking on my messed up payments.  I do not blame you on your frustration.  I was promised by lots of supervisors they would call me back.  Days later and I got the calls but it was unprofessional.  I always bought dells and this is my last one.  I think we need to find a way to stand together and fight dell on this crap.

I am having the identical problem.
 
Trying to use Skype but cannot speak to the people whom I call through my Dell Inspiron laptop.
 
Is there a fix to this?

I have similar problem with my laptop Dell latitude d 510 , centrino tehnology...
I have skype and msn, but I can`t use my microphone! I try everything but without results....   :?:  
 
If anyone knows anything about this problem with microphone, please let my know!
 
thx

In case anyone is still looking for a fix for this, it's down to Dell shipping their notebooks with the microphone socket only speaking to recording apps and not allowing live monitoring that Skype etc need. SHOCKING!!!  
 
The fix is here for windows users but rquires registry editing so be sure to back up etc:
 
http://www.dellcommunity.com/suppo [...] e.id=29912
 
 

I have just joined the ranks of Dell owners with no microphone.  I called Dell and the very nice Lady said that I needed my motherboard replaced and set up an appointment to get it done under warranty.  The guy comes to my house, replaces the motherboard and card in the front of my laptop where an external mic connects, and..when he was done I still han no mic.  My laptop is an XPS1210.  I tried the fix that julessmith posted but with no success.  Somebody talk to me!!!