(laptop) i have tried many headphones w/ microphone attached

[eggandtoast]

but the microphone in sound settings doesn't work and uses the default laptop webcam microphone,

please help

 

[webworkings]

If your device has a single jack for the headset. It may not be input/output but only output. Also it could be the combo but not work correctly. Both are really common in laptops anymore. Sadly.

If either of these is the case, the simplest way around it is to get a 3.5mm to USB adapter and run the headset/mic combo through a USB port. Something like this... https://www.amazon.com/LZYCO-External-connector-Headphone-Microphone/dp/B018YV3ALM/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1486193340&sr=8-9&keywords=3.5mm+to+usb+adapter