unable to record anything on Windows Vista (desktop PC with integrated realtek audio)

I have a dell desk top running windows vista with an integrated realtek high def audio. I have tried freecorder, easyradio, hdoog, and Audacity to no avail. In all of them it shows it is recording but actually nothing is recorded. I go to the saved file and play it and there is no sound.

I used to use easyradio on my old system which was an amd processor with a sound blaster sound card running windows 2000 pro.

When I check on input devices in easyradio there is nothing listed. Do I need to get a sound card? I have already checked for new drivers for the realtek integrated card but have turned up nothing.

Even the sound recorders that you can try for free and then buy don't work. Any ideas?