Does anyone know why my mic doesn't work and my desktop background doesn't show?

your need go to device manager on the internal mic thing click on it and rollback driver to original or update it one of those should work or go to control panel under sounds then recording devices and clic to make you internal mic your default mic and make sure its not muted

check for the microphone cord and drivers

The whole situation that you describe makes me believe that the Rode mic is ok. Please double check your cables, the connections and the settings at the mixer that you connect the Rode. Also make sure that the phantom power supply is enabled.

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The WH30 with the preamp requires phantom power. Make certain the mixer has phantom power turned on.

No it doesn't have internal mic. you need a External Headset with microphone to use skype.

The things that you tried have ruled out any issues with software. The good news is that the microphone has separate board. Replace it. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Sony-Vaio-VGN-FZ145E-Microphone-Board-1P-106C201-8010-/162369519014?hash=item25cdfa3da6:g:f04AAOSwo4pYhvKk

All microphones have a signal to noise ratio. Basically defined as the level of desired sound to background noise (unwanted sound). Microphone phones also have self noise which should be considered when choosing a mic. There will be noise in every mic, some more audible than others. Condenser microphones require phantom power (48V). This can be supplied by mic prea
mps, mixers, and similar equipment. *Note that phantom power (mic pre amps) must be on or engaged, this can be specific to different types of equipment.
Troubleshooting:Has your microphone been dropped or exposed to moisture? Internal damage to your microphone will be hard to assess but this could possibly be the issue. Inspect the microphone cable, check for damages. Try using a another microphone cable-- preferably a new one. Next to check would be your mic's power supply. Make sure all connections are made properly (mic to cable to power supply). If you are using a mixer or pre amp with multiple inputs, test the mic on each input. (You should test by making recordings and comparing with each change to isolate possible causes). Also test the mixer or pre amp by slowly sweeping the input gain feature while recording an audible source such as singing into the microphone. Typically next in the audio recording chain would be your DAW (digital audio workstation) or computer, but problems with noise most likely precede this.
I could possibly provide more useful information if I know your exact setup.
Provided that you have your equipment setup properly, the microphone or mixer/preamp could possibly be damaged/malfunctioning. I suggest taking your equipment to a trusted repair shop, or if still under warranty, returning to the manufacturer for repairs or replacement.
Hope this helps

You need power from the transmitter to power this mic. See your mics specs to determine if it needs "Phantom Power"
Perhaps the transmitter doesn't supply power. Condenser mics may not work. Stay with the dynamic type. IMHO

Yes, this mic does work well. Headset usually work the best, but I do know a few people who use this mic for their gaming.
Control and convenience

• Advanced digital USB: Experience superior sound clarity with the simplicity of a single USB plug-and-play connection.
• Noise-canceling microphone: Filters out unwanted background noise.
• Power switch: Illuminates when microphone is active.
• Adjustable microphone: Pivots on base to hold preferred position.
• Eight-foot shielded cord: Gives you more desktop flexibility.
• Mute switch on base: Instant and easy muting.
• Weighted base: Adds stability.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency response: 100 Hz–16 kHz
• Input sensitivity: -67 dBV/µbar, -47 dBV/Pa +/- 4 dB
• 8-foot shielded cord with USB connector
• Connector: USB 1.1

Control and convenience

• Advanced digital USB: Experience superior sound clarity with the simplicity of a single USB plug-and-play connection.
• Noise-canceling microphone: Filters out unwanted background noise.
• Power switch: Illuminates when microphone is active.
• Adjustable microphone: Pivots on base to hold preferred position.
• Eight-foot shielded cord: Gives you more desktop flexibility.
• Mute switch on base: Instant and easy muting.
• Weighted base: Adds stability.

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1-select start2-select contrrol panel3-select sound speech and audio devices4-select sound and audio devices.5-confirm that mute box not signed.6-pres advanced in mic volume confirm mute box not signed7-select audio you will see capture screen in mic volume sign select.8-in default device press volume you will see volume control screen in mic volume confirm that mute box not signed