Another issue may be that you won't see all the inputs that your device potentially offers. This may prevent the audio device linking properly to the system mixer, so you may end up always recording from line-in, or cannot apparently record at all (whatever input source you choose).
Drivers are a big issue on Windows machines, and it often happens that machines purchased new will only be supplied with generic Microsoft drivers. It is often assumed that Audacity controls the input sources displayed, but in fact the sources offered are governed by the drivers of the sound device that is currently selected in the Audacity Preferences. In current Audacity, all available inputs are selected in Device Toolbar or Devices Preferences. Mixer Toolbar issues and input device selection 2.2.1 Accessing the Windows Sound controls.1.1.1 Device selection for inbuilt devices on Windows.1 Mixer Toolbar issues and input device selection.
