Headset not showing as a playback option, no mic either

Mic on headset not working properly

I have an Asus R503U laptop running Windows 8.1, 64 bit, and the headset has never worked properly with this computer. I am pretty certain it is not the headset, but a settings or software issue..

For one thing, there is no "headset" listed as a separate playback option even after I plug the headset in - however, I can hear through the headset if I choose the speaker as a playback option, and if I unplug the headset, sound will play through the computer speaker, so I have just been using the speaker setting for playback when wanting to hear through the headset.

However the recording/microphone option produces a horrible humming feedback sound when I try to use Skype or record through the headset mic. The recording options are "microphone" or "stereo" and even if I disable "stereo" I have the problem.

My drivers are uptodate - I am using VIA drivers. I have fiddled with various sound settings but can get nothing to work. I have all enhancements to sound disabled and also tried using the trouble shooter to no avail. Can anyone help me figure out what to do here?

Much appreciated - thanks

Is this a standard analog mic/headset that plugs into the mic and headphone jacks, or is this a USB connected type?

In the Recording options, the "Stereo Mix" (may be called System Mixer) should be set as the default recording device. Then if a mic or line in is used it will be heard or be able to record.

Did this PC come with Windows 8 or was it upgraded from XP or Win 7?

Thanks for your reply!

1) It is a Case Logic standard analog mic/headset that plugs into the mic and headphone jacks.

2) "Stereo Mix" (may be called System Mixer) whether set as the default recording device or not, produces no recording ability.

3) Came with Windows 8 and since has been updated regularly all of the most recent updates.

I should mention that the "playback" options are currently set at "speaker" (enabled, default) and AMD HDMI Output (not plugged in). The "recording" options and settings are "microphone" (VIA Hi Def audio, disabled) and "stereo mix" (enabled, default device). If I set the mic to enabled as well as the "stereo mix" as default enabled, I get horrible feedback unless the "listen to this device" for the mic is unchecked; if it is unchecked, however, I cannot hear what I am recording until I play it back, and then I see that it has recorded the voice along with the horrible feedback interference noise anyway ......BTW, dont know if this is important, but the "properties" show rear panel 3.5 jack although the actual connection is analog jacks in the front.

This may be hardware rather than a software/driver problem. "humming" suggests one of the mic wires may not be connected (internally) and thus you are getting the hum. As the headset, too, is not functioning properly it may too be an internal connection. Many PC's have a separate I/O board that is connected to the motherboard via some type of connector. If that connector is not fully connected or not making good contact, it could cause what you have.

If the PC is still in warranty, contact the PC vendor. If not, and you are up to it, consider getting into it and checking cable connections.

Thanks - will do