go to the speaker icon on the bottom right of the screen and go into the options/properties section. Then click on the recording circle thingie. Select the mic then click ok. Then click OK and click on the advanced properties of the microphone. Finally enable the "Microphone Boost". This worked for my little line in mic i got hooked up to my lappy. I think this option is a general windows thing and not related to the sound card... not for sure on that though. Hope it helps.