in the old days in situations like this i would install a copy of the os on a different newly created partition for testing purposes and boot to that install
presuming you have the media to do this; after installation i would install the drivers, if needed, for the device in question and verify with sound recorder or audacity
if this is successful you know something's wrong with your main install
other suggestions while researching this topic
create a new administrator account and try under that account
How To Use SFC /Scannow to Repair Windows System Files good luck