HELP SOMEONE PLEASE - mic no longer working in ME3 Multiplayer - new Laptop running Windows 8

Hoping someone can assist. New Laptop running Windows 8. I can no longer use my microphone in ME3 Multiplayer.

The machine is configured to run the Logitech Clearchat Headset - I can hear thru the headset, have a blue mic icon in the lobby, but I cannot speak - it is as if the game no longer recognises the mic.

The Realtek Audio devices have been disabled from 'auto run/takeover'.

I have been to two geek shops and purchased different headsets- the other headsets are not recognised by the system at all. I have returned to the Logitech set.

There are no additional drivers on the Logitech site

Oddly, I can both hear and speak on the desktop - the speech recognition centre microphone wizard has accepted the mic.

All of the sound options via the control panel are checked and not muted - don't know what else to do.

It makes no difference as to what I set in 'options - sound' ingame - the mic is not functioning.

Going crazy - help!!!!!!😕mileysad: