I have ubuntu 12.04. Alsamixer reports my soundcard (on board) as card HDA ATI SB and chip Realtek ALC892. I have also installed realtek linux audiopack 5.17 and pavucontrol. I also removed and reinstalled alsa drivers.
At pavucontrol I selected as input configuration analog stereo duplex (tried also all the other alternatives).
I use headphones connected at the front panel.
Now when I unmute from alsamixer the front mic I can hear myself at the headphones. Nothing from what I have found works.
Ubuntu 10.10 did not have a problem.
I have a skype interview on Tuesday so if anyone can help I am very thankful.