Headsets don't Work...Headphones (as mic) Do?

Okay, I'm having a strange problem with my sound card. When I plug headphones into the headphone jack, they work fine. Where it gets weird is when I plug in microphones (on headsets in). When I plug headphones or the mic on a headset into the jack, it doesn't pick up any sound but the headphones can hear sound (like from programs). I heard from a friend that ear buds can function as headphones so I plugged my iPod headphones into the microphone jack. They worked fine (just hard to hold and type at same time). Why would headphones (functioning as a mic) work but a real mic on a headset wouldnt?



I know the mic on the headset is not defective because its a brand new headset and I've tried 2 other headsets that are brand new.



This is awfully puzzling and annoying. Thanks in advance for the speedy help

Earphones/Earbuds (unpowered earphones) work as mic's too, as they are basicly the same thing...just less sensitive/efficient.
When you speak into the earbud, it moves the voice coil back and forth over the magnet and induces a voltage/signal into the cable.
This still works with large Headphones but because they are so much bigger you need a greater volume of air and greater pressure to do it.

regarding your question...do you mean that a standard mic plugged into the 'Mic' socket/jack on your computer does not work....., But an earbud in the same socket is working as a mic?

Exactly



Thanks for that explanation too. I knew that they worked similarly and thats why it worked but that explanation made it really clear. Thanks.



Back to my question...could it have something to do with power or where actual plug itself? Lol, this is really confusing me, i dont even know what to guess.

Anyone have any ideas?

I know this is old but i really need help. Here is a picture that i think might be contributing to the problem