Hello Kim,
The amplifier on the PRO board's were designed to allow you to plug in a microphone directly to the amplifier. You want to ensure that the amplifier's ON/Standy light is lit green. Are you able to get sound from the board's speakers when the laptop is connected? You want to ensure that the latest ActivDriver is installed on the computer. You can locate this in the ActivManager hardware tab. (case# 279374)
Thanks!