Volume control (applet.....suddenly stopped saving settings) and mic problems

Well, some more problems on my end. I used the volume applet(the icon next to the clock on the top panel) to successfully change my mic volume control and some other things. Then the next thing I know, I opened it again and the settings were reset, and now whenever I change a setting (volume adjust etc) and close the applet and open it back up the settings are reset again. The settings DO actively change while the program is open tough. I've been searching for over and hour and found nothing. Also, my mic works in skype, but I can't open the sound recorder because it says invalid setting (no matter which I sound capture device I choose)

My sound (normal speakers) play through SB 5.1 live card, and the mic is on realtek ac97 built in card.