The sound card in my second notebook doesn't have a mixer. The only way to record sound is by placing a mike next to the speaker, or using the line in method. The Sigmatel sound card is integrated into the working of the machine, so it can't be replaced. Is there any software, or any way I can install a mixer?
What sound are you trying to record? What the computer is playing? If so, go to the volume control (Star, Run, sndvol32). Options menu, properties, click the recording button, check everything in the box, and hit OK. Tell us all of the different headings up top (Line in, Microphone, etc). If you really require, you can run a cord directly from the speaker/line out to the line in. Or you can buy a PCMCIA/USB/ExpressCard sound card.