theres something wrong with some of the plug in spots of my computer

cheese 20 Reputation points
2026-10-01T18:54:13.3133333+00:00

every time i try plug something in like a microphone into my computer it turns on but when i try use it, it doesnt work and says its not plugged in? like only two of the i dont remmber what its called but like i can only plug in my key borad and mouse but nothing else work and i know my microphone isnt broken bc i plugged it into the front and it worked but now it doesnt even work anymore it just shows the light is on.

Windows for home | Other | Devices and drivers
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AI answer

2026-10-01T18:54:33.6733333+00:00

This usually points to either a connection/port problem or Windows not detecting the audio device correctly. Since the microphone powered on but showed as not plugged in, and it worked in the front port before, start with these checks in order:

  1. Check the physical connection.
    • Make sure the microphone is fully inserted.
    • If the PC has multiple 3.5 mm jacks, make sure it is in the microphone jack, not the headphone/output jack.
    • On many PCs, the pink jack is mic input and the green jack is audio output.
    • If using USB, try a different USB port.
  2. Test without hubs or adapters.
    • If the device is connected through a USB hub, remove the hub and plug it directly into the PC.
    • Unplug the device, wait a little while, then plug it back in so Windows can reload the driver.
  3. Confirm the microphone is selected in Windows.
    • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
    • Under Input, select the correct microphone.
    • Open its properties and use Start test / Stop test / Play to check whether Windows is receiving sound.
    • Increase the Input volume if needed.
  4. Make sure Windows is allowed to use that input device.
    • In Sound settings, under Input > Choose a device for speaking or recording, select the correct device.
    • Make sure Allow apps and Windows to use this device for audio is allowed.
  5. Reinstall the audio drivers if Windows is not detecting the mic.
    • Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
    • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
    • Right-click each audio device and select Uninstall device.
    • If shown, check Attempt to remove the driver for this device or Delete the driver software for this device.
    • Restart the PC.
    • After restart, if needed, open Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers, and select Scan for hardware changes.
    • Then right-click the audio driver and select Update driver.
  6. If only certain ports fail, test the device on another port or another PC.
    • If the microphone works on another device but not on those ports, the ports may be the issue.
    • If the microphone does not work on another PC either, the microphone may need replacement.
  7. If audio still fails in Windows 11, run the audio troubleshooter.
    • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
    • In Audio, select Run.

If the rear and front ports both now power the microphone but Windows does not detect it, the most useful next step is the driver reinstall in Device Manager and then testing the mic directly in Settings > System > Sound > Input.

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