Rosetta Stone is a set of leveled language courses taught on the computer. Users speak and listen to the language over a headset and microphone, cultivating pronunciation and comprehension. Users connect with other language learners over the Internet, allowing them to practice speaking much like in a classroom experience.
Many issues with the speech component can be solved by verifying software installation. The speech component only works when the speech installer software is properly installed on the computer. Since the installer portion is an optional component, the speech installer may not be applied to the individual's computer, resulting in no speech component. Make sure to install the speech installer during the initial Rosetta Stone language software installation. If you find you do not have it, uninstall the software and then re-install it with the speech component.
Many personal computers come with integrated microphones. Make sure that the microphone is on, and functioning, by using it in another installed program, such as a sound recorder. The speech component will not run if the microphone is off or faulty. Also, verify that Rosetta Stone is trying to access the microphone by checking the default audio device selection within the software. Rosetta Stone may have defaulted to an incorrect audio device.
Computer firewalls or anti-virus programs may impede the speech component from functioning. Make sure these programs are turned off during Rosetta Stone use. The speech component must have Internet access for activation.
Each computer microphone reacts differently with Rosetta Stone's software. Try using a speech recognition headset, as opposed to the computer's integrated microphone. Some computer microphones do not function well with Rosetta Stone's speech component. A separate headset will help alleviate any future problems.