I changed the sounddriver (vista user here) to one that wasn't windows own but Conexants own drivers - and now I can record without having to use a cable between the headphone socket and the mic socket and use guesswork to record stuff - or a mixer
It's been a phenomenal boost to my creativity
I've also taken to using this:
http://www.any-video-converter.com/p...or_video_free/
It not only rips/renders videos, but also (if selected) the audio only - sometimes, I film something where the audio is the only thing worth keeping :-p
Worth a shot for anyone else in a similar position who doesn't want the hassle of changing drivers