Soundcard won't record

[Answerprancer]

I need to get back into recording, I've just had a change of computer and there is an issue with the soundcard.
Computer is a Dell Inspiron 530 dektop, the soundcard is an onboard Realtek driven affair. All the record sliders are greyed out and it doesn't seem to make a difference whether I use the front or back sockets.
I've searched a few forums and this seems to be an unsolveable problem.
I really need a (close to) zero latency, front mounted audio interface with XLR/phono/jack and MIDI sockets, but in the interim I need some sort of quick fix.
I would be eternally grateful for some sound :-) advice.

[mjwman]

I do not understand too much about latency but I have Realtek and had to right click on the speaker icon in order to show disabled devices. I then was able to enable what I wanted. In this case Stereo mix.
I use Audacity to record but there arte alkso progs such as Wavepad too, all free.
I can then convert my recording to MP3 using Lame.

I hope that helps.

[mjwman]

On mine, also Realtek I had to right click on the speaker icon to show disabled devices. One of which is Stereo mix which I wanted to use.There will be others such as line in and mic.
I use Audacity and Lame to record and save to MP3 files. There are other progs such as Wavepad too.

[mjwman]

Sorry about that I thought It had not posted so I repeated. Did not realise the anwers had gone on to next page!