O:If you use AC'97 audio panel, please install it to the front panel audio header as below:
A. Connect Mic_IN (MIC) to MIC2_L.
B. Connect Audio_R (RIN) to OUT2_R and Audio_L (LIN) to OUT2_L.
C. Connect Ground (GND) to Ground (GND).
D. MIC_RET and OUT_RET are for HD audio panel only. You don't need to connect them for AC'97 audio panel.
E. Enter BIOS Setup Utility. Enter Advanced Settings, and then select Chipset Configuration. Set the Front Panel Control option from [Auto] to [Enabled].
For Windows^® XP
F. Enter Windows^® system. Click the icon on the lower right hand taskbar to enter Realtek HD Audio Manager. Click "Audio I/O", select "Connector Settings", choose "Disable front panel jack detection", and save the change by clicking "OK".

For Windows^® Vista™
F. Enter Windows^® system, 1: Double click the icon on the lower right hand taskbar to enter Realtek HD Audio Manager. 2: Click the "Folder" icon at the top-right corner. 3. Check "Disable front panel jack detection". 4. Click "OK".
(Please refer to the following picture)

G. To activate the front mic:
For Windows^® XP:
Please select the Front Mic as default record device in No. 1.

If you want to hear your voice through Front Mic, please deselect "Mute" in No. 2
For Windows^® Vista™:
1.Go to the "FrontMic" Tab in the Realtek Control panel.
Click "Set Default Device" to make the Front Mic as the default record device.