From this tab you can test your audio output and input settings.

speaker test
push the 'play sound' button and you should hear a 'beating' sound

adjust the speaker volume slider to the right to increase the volume
adjust the speaker volume slider to the left to decrease the volume

if you cannot hear any sound click the 'output mixer settings' link to open your windows 'playback' mixer

microphone test

Step 1
click link # 1 (click here and speak into your microphone to record a test message)

clicking the link will start the recording process

Step 2
start speaking clearly to record a sample of your voice

during the recording process pay attention to the 'modulation bar' located to the right of the microphone volume slider

the modulation bar should be bouncing to the 3rd level without being 'pegged' to the top while you are speaking

slide the microphone slider to the right to increase your microphone volume
slide the microphone slider to the left to decrease your microphone volume

Step 3
click link # 2 to stop the recording process

Step 4
click link # 3 to play back the sample that you just recorded to see if your microphone volume level is set properly

Step 5
click link # 4 to stop the playback

If your sound was too soft or too loud repeat this process from Step 1 and adjust your microphone level to a more suitable level

If you still have problems or if your voice is way too loud or too soft
click the 'input mixer settings' link

the windows 'recording' panel will launch

from this mixer panel you can select and adjust the levels of various audio input devices including your cd or dvd player, tv tuner (if installed), external 'line' inputs, and your microphone

select the 'mic' or 'microphone' slider

use this slider to adjust your microphone level up or down

if your microphone level is still too low or too loud, you may need to use the 'mic boost' or 'gain' feature on your sound card

select 'advanced controls' from the 'options' menu on the windows record panel

an 'advanced' button should show underneath the microphone slider on the recording panel

press the 'advanced' button

you should see a '20 db gain' or 'mic boost' checkbox

uncheck the box if your mic volume is too loud

place a checkmark in the box if your mic volume is too low

readjust the mic slider and try the 'microphone test' again