[Inactive]

check that the preferred recording device is the onboard sound chip and not any other device, like a webcam or modem.

 

[Inactive]

no, but i always decheck that. just look at the middle panel headed sound recording. there is a drop down menu there, where you can select whatever hardware choices that are on board.

however i have no problems changing recording controls with any hardware devices. have you uninstalled/re-installed the audio drivers? make sure you have the latest drivers as well.