1. If it doesn't work in Windows Sound Recorder, it's unlikely it'll work in another program
2. Make sure your mic is in the right jack on the back of your sound card. (sounds silly, but it happens to the best of us =P)
3. Make sure the right recording device is selected (to find that, double click the little speaker icon for the volume control thing, go to options->properties->recording and make sure that the mic is checked)
4. Make sure you're mic is working (if #3 was okay, try unmuting your mic and talking. If you don't hear anything, your mic could be dead, or #2 is your problem)
Hope this helps...