Back in 2006 when i switched to Linux, consequently to Ubuntu, i faced some major issues with driver compatibility. Through the years, Ubuntu started to support most major vendor's hardwares. Now in 9.10, all drivers on my laptop works with the default Ubuntu install. Except for the errant microphone which let me down every time i had to skype someone. Well, not anymore. Here's a quick fix :

Open a terminal and type in alsamixer hit enter.