Okay, I got my Tascam US-144 USB Audio/MIDI Interface to work, after a fashion. The sound through the mic is very, very muted, but at least there is a clear indication that the computer can "hear" the mic, which is a far cry from where I was before. Thanks to those who posted suggestions, and even emailed me with followups after I asked my "stupid question."

As it turns out, I just needed to go into My Computer-->Control Panel-->Audio Devices and set all of the defaults to the Tascam. It's so simple, you'd think it would say that somewhere in the manual.Control Panel-->Audio Devices and set all of the defaults to the Tascam. It's so simple, you'd think it would say that somewhere in the manual.Control Panel-->Audio Devices and set all of the defaults to the Tascam. It's so simple, you'd think it would say that somewhere in the manual.Audio Devices and set all of the defaults to the Tascam. It's so simple, you'd think it would say that somewhere in the manual.Audio Devices and set all of the defaults to the Tascam. It's so simple, you'd think it would say that somewhere in the manual.

Now--in thinking about this "muted mic" problem--I'm noticing that the Tascam has a switch called "Phantom" on it. The manual says that this is for mics that need Phantom power. But how is one to know? I guess I'll just try it out, and hope it does not explode. :-)

Somehow I'm beginning to see a touch of light at the end of my technological tunnel. My ultimate goal: To be able to sit down in the few free moments I get, and switch things on, and just . . . you know . . . record something.

I'm sure I'll get there . . . one day at a time.

Herring405