Microphone Problem.

Have you tried opening all the panels in Volume Control (options properties) and muting all the inputs except the mic?

They say it sounds even worse when I do that.

If you don't have anything plugged into the 'aux in' and you've run the application's audio tuning wizard (net meeting and yahoo have this , don't know about others)...
Next thing I'd try is checking for a shared interrupt on your sound card.

Do not keep the Mic vol to max as this may pick up other signals. Record a voice using the same microphone on your system itself and check if you see the same behavior.

Hope it helps ;)
Jony

The "helicopter" type noise could very well be interference from either a power supply or transformer (eg on cordless phone).  Try routing the mic cable away from any possible sources of interference and see if this cures the problem.

I can plug the mic in the front of my tower and I believe in two different spots in the back. But with the same result. I have run MSN, Yahoo, Netmeeting's Audio Setup Wizards. When I record it with sound recorder to me doesn't seem as bad as when I use like Yahoo for example.

Have you tried another microphone to acertain further where the problem may lie?

My old one did the same. Why I bought the new one. Same problem I guess.

If you can plug the mic in at the front and the rear then I awwume that there is at least one flying lead inside the machine running from the soundcard to a mic socket.  Check the routing of this lead to see if it is running close by the PSU and move it if possible.  

Here is a theory based on two assumptions. One assumption is that you have not disabled the speaker output even though you are using the headphones (using the line out in addition to the phones output), the other assumption that you have noise cancellation headset.

If this is the case your microphone could be picking up the output sound and trying to balance it out with the noise cancellation signal (basically the opposite signal from the surrounding audio to cancel each other out). This would in effect create a feedback loop, like a mic picking up the speakers and creating a whistle. Since the noise cancellation circuitry is phase shifted this could result in the chopper type of sound you are describing.

It is also possible your sound card leaks between the input and output channels causing this problem with the noise cancellation mic. See if you can replace it with the cheapest non-noise-cancellation type mic. Please tell us the results.

Amos -The Keymaker

I just tried my microphone on another computer. Works perfect. So it has to be my computer causing the problems. It is basically the same computer too.

Is your sound card full duplex?

and... have you got the latest drivers?

Do you have a cordless keyboard/mouse? The base station gives off a pulse that would sound just like a helicopter.

If that maybe the case, try moving the base station as far away from you that is possible.  

I don't know if the soundcard is. And no my mouse and keyboard are not cordless.

Look around you, is there anything that uses wireless tech? Are you on a wireless network, etc.

Nothing is cordless.

Are you using speakers or headphones?  Is there any chance you are getting feedback?