Why doesn't my mic work? I've checked and tested audio/voice through control panel and voice is not detected?

Realtek HD Audio Manager pops up when I plug it in and says I've plugged in the mic. I have it plugged into the correct place. I can hear my friend but she can't hear me. Why doesn't my mic work? I've checked and tested audio/voice through control panel and voice is not detected?
are you using skype, windows live messenger? try adjusting the volume in the settings for that program?

nars