Hi,
I might suggest a possible solution for records. Although the software ads suggest you do not need a preamp, I find that I need one when using my phonograph as input. My table does not have a built-in preamp, and my PC does not have an add-in sound card with an appropriate input for my turntable. The test for you is - can you hear your record playing thru your PC speakers using the Windows Media Player? If not, the direct output of the phono cartridge is not enough without a preamp. Maybe this helps.
Linky