I got windows vista basic. When I go to skype, I don't hear anything. When I call or somebody calls I can't hear a thing. I didnt find answer from forums. I'm using newest skype beta-version.

Please check this first and report back.

Subject: Audio Setup

NOTE these instruction are for Windows XP ONLY but with some suggestion for Vista at the bottom on the page.

1. Audio settings all versions

For Windows Sounds & Audio Devices Properties:

Audio > Sound Playback: Your on board sound/Sound Card.
Audio > Sound Recording: Your on board sound/Sound Card.

Voice > Sound Playback: Your on board sound/Sound Card.
Voice > Sound Recording: Your on board sound/Sound Card.

For Skype Sound/Audio settings.

Audio In: Your headset/mic or USB device or Web cam mic.
Audio Out: Your headset/mic or USB device.
Ringing: VoIPVoice USB Phone or on board sound/Sound Card also tick Ring PC speaker.

Your installed audio device must be present there.
If not, reinstall audio device

2)Check if your micro (pink) and speaker (lime) jacks are really correct and fully inserted!
They sometimes stuck.
For test only you can use earphone instead of microphone for Line In.
Standard micro in Line In will NOT work.
Go to:
Start
Programs
Accessories
Entertainment or go to
Volume Control; right click on loudspeaker icon in Task Tray
Options
Microphone
Scroll down
Check "Microphone"
If the bar "Microphone" is available, the microphone is detected by Windows now go on
(If not, Windows has a problem with your microphone)
Just to check if your microphone is broken or bad, you can use your headphones instead. They really work!
Which one L or R is microphone now, I think it's L
Check "Advanced properties"

Check Micro "Advanced"
Open
Check "20db boost" or "1.MIC boost" depending on language version
Volume level can be left in any position.
Mute microphone!!!

3. Check audio now on windows base.
Start
Programs
Accessories
Entertainment
Soundrecorder

4. Once done, test with Skype Test Call echo123.

Vista Users

I just set up Skype 3.1.0.147 on Vista and initially couldn't get my microphone (plug) to work. After a quick Google search I found that under Control Panel --> Sound --> Recording Tab, you need to make sure your microphone is shown as "Working". To do this make it the default recording device. For me I also have found (even on XP) that I need to edit the Microphone properties and enable the +20dB boost.

Once I did this Skype worked right off the bat on Vista. No problem.

This was also a solution for 1 person

Make a Skype Test Call or Call one of your friends.

Than quickly go to Skype (while you are still on call) > Tools > Options > Sound Devices > and move the "Audio In" volume to the maximum. Click Save. And Make the call again. It should work and your headset should not go on mute anymore. Worked with my Plantronics .Audio 500 headsets, and now they work great.

If it still doesn't work, do the same thing and move the volume to minimum and than quickly to maximum. SAVE. Restart your Skype. And now I am 99% sure it should work.