How can i get the microphone to work on my dell laptop?

i have gone through the control panel settings and tried the voice test...but it just won't work! any suggestions?
Answers:
Incompatible mike? The mike's impedance has to be correct for the PC.
microphone jack or USB? if usb did the PC automatically install the hardware?

try checking your soundcard (in control panel) and look for microphone settings there.
i am sorry to tell u, but in my opinion, dell r rubbish.
have u updayed drivr
Silly but you never know, are you plugging it in the right jack it should be pink in colour, normally the mike as well, try another mike a friends maybe, and try your mike on another computer, process of elimination.