Anyone ever record music on a laptop?

I just spent the last two hours trying to get mics to work. I have a mic pre-amp that appeared to be working. It was getting a signal, and according to it, I was clipping like hell. Yet, the output into the computer was barely audible. I've got a new mic and a new mic cable... so I don't know what the fuck is up. Would it be the pre-amp? I know I could get another one cheap but I don't want to buy one. Am I just doing something wrong? I went into the sound settings for the computer and even putting the mic up to +36 dB boost I still wasn't getting shit.

I recorded the last Lance of Longinus cd on a desktop with the same pre-amp and I even tried the mic and cables that I recorded that cd with. Nothing. It's kind of pissing me off. I really wanted to get this cd recorded. I've got drums programmed and the songs written... I just can't record my damn guitar or vocals.

Oh, I also had the input and output on the pre-amp maxed out. Still, nothing.