Here's how to adjust the volume settings for most PC microphones:
1. Right click on the speaker icon and select Recording devices
2. Select your microphone (should be listed) and showing a live meter reading if working
3. Select the Levels tab and see if lowering the Microphone (volume) or Microphone Boost helps with the static
Windows has a built-in Sound Recorder (Start button > All Programs > Accessories > Sound Recorder) that may be useful to do some quick test audio recordings.