Recording into a laptop isn't as complex as many make it out to be. Realize that you're not likely going to get a quality recording, but it will suffice to record dj sets to pass out to your friends.

First, you don't need any special software but it helps when you're finished. You can record just about anything using Microsoft WAV Recorder found in your Accessories. But getting software that you can interface with will help when you're done recording and you need to do some post-edit work.

Next, find an output RCA jacks to your mixer. These are the ones you would normally hook up your monitor or main sound to. I like using the monitor sound because you can control the levels independently from the main sound (better sound quality). You're gonna need an RCA-to-1/8" wire adapter. You can find these anywhere these days as they are the adapters that many people sell to hook up your portable mp3 player to your stereo.

Now connect the 1/8" end of that wire to your computer input. Avoid using the Microphone input as you will get poor sound quality, but if it's the only one you got then go ahead. Most laptops will have three small holes that look the same. Two are inputs, the other outputs. The output is one where you hook up your headphones for personal listening.

At this point you're ready to record. Check your sound levels and learn the software you're using to record.

Yeah, I think this is what's going wrong too.

Make sure you can actually get sound through your laptop's speakers. If you're not getting anything, chances are the laptop's not receiving the correct channel. Most laptops don't come with an integrated audio controller that can use multiple inputs, so it's possible that the default setting in Window is incorrect.

Try this:

Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Audio. Select your line in / microphone port under "Sound Recording". Then click on the "Volume..." button (it might not be labeled volume, but my Windows is not en English so I'm not sure).

Once you're here, you should see a mixer. First let's make sure you have all your channels visible, so go to:

Options > Advanced Settings > and make sure all the boxes below are checked, and then select "Recording" and do the same thing. Then click OK.

Now you should see your RECORDING mixer. This is where you control what comes in. Look for something called "Mic In" or "Line In". Make sure Select on that channel is checked. While having audio playing from the mixer to your computer, test different channels and volumes.

If this doesn't work, then it's possible you're not using the right output on the mixer.

The input meter moves, but very low... and it records your voice ok but not the line in?

Sounds to me like a matter of input selection. Go into wherever on the control panel it is that you select an audio input source, and see if it is set to built-in microphone (if there is such a thing on acer laptops... if so, select line-in and try again.

The very low levels that it is showing may just be line noise from the mixer or rca cable.