Never able to get my microphone to work

[JenGresham]

I've tried everything I can think of to get the speaking option to work. I'm using my laptop, have tried both the built-in and a USB mic (both of which work fine) and have even gotten the box that asks if you want to allow the program to use the mic. I thought it must be a system bug, and have waited and waited. Still doesn't work.

Any suggestions? It was okay at first, but I'm really seeing what a disadvantage it is not to practice speaking this.