Yo Dopegirl, welcome to the board! The input on a soundcard that says "mic" is intended for a cheap computer mic, and is not useful for recording, or compatible with real mics. Most likely, the soundcard isn't either. In order to do any kind of even semi-serious recording on a computer, you need 4 things- A mic, a soundcard, a mic preamp, and recording software. To record on a computer, you plug the mic into the mic preamp, the line out of the preamp into the line in on the soundcard, and then process with whatever software you are going to use. Mixers generally contain preamps, usually not so great ones.
And before you ask, no, you can't get out of using a preamp. For most purposes, cardioid mics will yield better results than an omni, unless you have a very good sounding room. Here are some suggestions for entry level items- there are many, many more, but each of these is a proven piece of cheap gear- Mics- Shure SM57, Sennheiser e835, AKG D770. Preamp- M-Audio DMP-3 mixer- Yamaha MG 10/2 (yeah, I know the Behringers are shiny and dirt cheap- don't do it.) Soundcard- M-Audio Audiophile 2496. BTW, recently, there is another option, the computer recording interface, which bypasses the need for a soundcard by going direct to the hard drive by USB or firewire. This type of device contains one or more preamps. I'll let others advise you on software- it's not my strong suit. Good luck, stick around.-Richie
Thanks for teh help!!! I would never have figured this out on my own 
