Making phone calls from Outlook

[Laura]

Does anyone use Outlook to make phone calls?
I have a new computer - it has speakers and a mic (both of which work - I
tested them). I would love to be able to make (and perhaps receive) phone
calls while I am working at my desk, but every time I try it I can hear the
person I call, but they can't hear me.
The 'Call Status' dialog box pops up which says:
"Lift the receiver and click Talk. To disconnect, click Hang Up and replace
the receiver."
There are two buttons: Talk and Hang Up.

I don't want to have to use the actual phone. I've tried it every which
way, but the same result occurs.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks in advance for any help,
Laura

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Outlook places calls through the Windows Dialer, which has no support for
voice modems.

 

[Prilosec]

I could never get this to work using speakers, etc.. Plantronics sells a
headset phone that can plug into your computer. This works, but might not be
what you wanted. Outlook will "auto dial", then you just talk on the headset
directly through your computer. Saw something like this at Staples, also (I
think it was made by another company). I do this all the time, but find it
easier to just pick up the phone after Outlook dials (close the dialog box
in Outlook, or you get an echo through your computer speakers).