I am trying to skype but i dont seem to have a built in microphone

SKYPE MICROPHONE PROBLEM
If the person cannot hear you then, either your microphonedriver not installed or not working OR the microphone is not configured inSkype.
To test your microphone then click on Start - All Programs - Accessories -Entertainment - Sound recorder. Then record your voice and then play it back.If this is OK then the microphone need to be configured in Skype.
To configure the microphone - Open Skype - Tools - Options -Audio Settings for the Microphone THEN click on Save.

Yes this Dell laptop does have a built-in mic.
If the person cannot hear you then, either your microphonedriver not installed or not working OR the microphone is not configured inSkype.
To test your microphone then click on Start - All Programs - Accessories -Entertainment - Sound recorder. Then record your voice and then play it back.If this is OK then the microphone need to be configured in Skype.
To configure the microphone - Open Skype - Tools - Options -Audio Settings for the Microphone THEN click on Save.

This model Dell has a built-in micphone.
If the person cannot hear you then, either your microphonedriver not installed or not working OR the microphone is not configured inSkype.
To test your microphone then click on Start - All Programs - Accessories -Entertainment - Sound recorder. Then record your voice and then play it back.If this is OK then the microphone need to be configured in Skype.
To configure the microphone - Open Skype - Tools - Options -Audio Settings for the Microphone THEN click on Save.

I haven't set up Skype before, but it seems quite reasonable that if the Sound control panel is set to use the external microphone, that would work. Have you checked to see if the sound input is set to an internal microphone built into the laptop, or a line-level input? That could be your problem, especially if no such microphone is present.

This model Acer laptop does not have a built-in microphone.
To use Skype you need a micphone or a WEBcam with a built-in microphone.
Logitech have this type of WEBcam.

check in windows sound settings to make sure that the microphone is turned up and not muted

try clicking start --> Devices and Printers and check for any microphone device in that list. If there is one, and you dont have one connected via USB port, there most likely is an inbuilt microphone.

Microphone should be located on the lid of laptop above the screen by the latch release button. You will see a small rectangular hole (if you have a built-in webcam it is to the left of it)

Set up Audio example

Laptop x webcam/mic x Vista x Skype
If you have an earlier OS, you may have to access your hardware from the Control Panel.

TEST SPEAKERS
Right click on speaker icon in System Tray
Select "Playback Devices"
The speaker icon ( checked as working) and volume level graph should be visible
Right click on the volume graph and click "Test"
Left hand speakers followed by right hand should be heard

SET DEFAULT & TEST MIC
Click "Recording" tab.
To set required mic as default - click on mic font to highlight and click "Properties"
In lower dropbox display "Use this device enable" click OK
Click "Levels" tab and ramp up sliders ( adjust to suit later)
Return to "Recording". Test mic by speaking and make sure volume graph displays
Restart computer
CONFIGURE TO SKYPE
Test your webcam here to make sure it broadcasts ok - Hit 'Allow' in the top window and check your cam in the left hand panel.

http://www.testmycam.com/


Start Skype.
On the Tools menu, click 'Options'.
In the navigation pane of the Skype 'Options' window, click 'Audio Settings'
Set your speakers as default.
Select your webcam as the default microphone.
Click 'Save'
In the navigation pane of the Skype Options window, click Video Settings.
Select your webcam as the default.
Click Save
Test your webcam by making a Skype test call.
For more information about how to configure Skype Messenger, please visit the following Skype Web site:
http://support.skype.com (http://support.skype.com)

It is very rare to find a built in microphone on a desktop computer.

Some laptops have it built into the screen.