A few problems, noob user

[Gad.]

So yeah, I'm a noob to Ubuntu. I'm trying to get used to it, please don't let my noobyness scare anyone away.

Problem 1: Graphics annoyances

I'm having a few graphics problems, here's a quick screen shot:

http://i51.tinypic.com/e96pnq.jpg

Notice the white and red lines at the top of the screen. They seem to go away when I have another window in use over that one. But as soon as I go back to the effected window, it returns to that weird state. Also notice to the left, the terminal at the top and the trash can at the bottom. There are yellow lines on them. I figure that's not normal as well. I managed to fix the problem by simply closing the Chrome app and restarting it. But I assume the problem will arise again some time.

I also notice that a lot of words on my screen are cluttered with strange lines, especially the letters "r", "a", and "i". Here is a good screenshot:

http://i54.tinypic.com/5139q8.png

Here is one last screenshot of the display bars where I'm uploading the pics to, notice how the output area for the URL to the pic is all jacked up:

http://i56.tinypic.com/4vmhdy.png


Problem 2: Internal microphone

I have an HP DV7 laptop and I can't get the internal microphone to work. My internal web cam works (which I'm extremely happy about), but I would REALLY REALLY love if I could get my internal microphone to work. I don't know what else to say about this problem, if you want any information on my system, please just ask and I will respond with what you need...

A bit of side information. I'm using Ubuntu 10.10 Maverick Netbook edition

Again, I'm extremely nooby with this, so if you tell me to display something, would you please tell me the steps I need to do to display what you need to see.

Thanks a million!

[0N3]

Can you post a pic of your sound properties screen on your panel click the volume icon and and open sound properties and post a pic of each tab ect

Hardware
Input
Output

Thanks

[Gad.]

http://i53.tinypic.com/wlazox.png

http://i56.tinypic.com/2mgpd9d.png

http://i55.tinypic.com/ng6pm1.png

http://i52.tinypic.com/287ghf6.png

http://i52.tinypic.com/2u53ple.png

There you go, thanks.

[0N3]

Under the input tab have you an option for a Microphone 2? If so try that see if it works

[0N3]

As you can see in my screenshot

[0N3]

If u notice on your Input tab the mute box next to Mic is enabled meaning ur Mic's muted

[Gad.]

You know, that could certainly be the problem... But... I can't hear any sounds any more. I can click the "test speakers" button and hear things. But at the same time, I can't listen to music like on pandora, and strangly, when I try to view a youtube video the speed is insane and the video goes by at like 3-5 seconds for every actual 1 second that passes.

[Gad.]

Okay scratch that. I disabled that Radeon one and now it's running fine again. But still, I don't see that bar move up when I speak into my microphone, blow into it, tap it, or whatever. No, it's not muted any more, and I have the input volume at MAX.

Thanks.

[0N3]

Under the Hardware Tab of Sound preferences click Internal Audio make sure its set to Analog Stereo Duples

Under the Input Tab See if you have more then one Mic in your drop down list and try both Microphone 2 Worked for me.

See attached Pictures