Vista - Please Help - Laptop Crashes (Something to do with the microphone)

I have a HP Pavilion dv6000 laptop, Windows Vista 64bit service pack 1 included.

It first happened a week ago when I tried to make a call with skype. As soon I hit "call" it froze and wouldn't take any command at all(no, not even ctrl alt del). I didnt know what to do so i turned it off by pressing the power button.
I tried to make a call again, the same thing happened. At first I thought it was a skype fault but then the same happened with Live Messenger.
I found out that it had something to do with the microphone because the laptop would freaze whenever i opened any settings for the microphone.
The laptop has an integrated microphone.
I run a virus scan with norton internet 2009.
Updated the audio drivers.
The problems still remains. The computer acts normally on every other task. It freezes only when something related to the microphone opens up.

Dont have the slightest idea what to do.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Not sure what to suggest other than try a different microphone... if that works then get rid of the old one (or take it back to the shop)