bad sound recording with headset mic

I can make an audio recording in XP in Parallels as long as I use the built in mic in my MacBook Pro. Sounds fine (or as good as can be expected). As soon as I try to use a headset mic to get better audio, it's horrible - sounds all choppy and broken up like i'm under water. I've tried 3 different headsets, switch USB ports, and played with audio settings in Windows XP till I'm going out of my mind.

These headsets all work fine on the OSX side.

what am I missing - I don't seem to be able to find anyone with the same problem!

Allison
NosillaCast at http://podfeet.com
A technology geek podcast with an EVER so slight Macintosh bias!