recording; white noise; volume adjustment...?

I am trying to use Audacity to record old voice mails before I change cell phone carriers. I have followed the protocol for doing this, but every time I press record on the Audacity control page, there is an incredible/obnoxious amount of white noise like feedback that I cannot seem to manage or locate the controls for. I’m not particularly savvy when it comes to technology, but I am at an utter loss as how to proceed. I can’t seem to locate any additional control settings, though an odd window or two pops up offering control settings, but it only pops up intermittently. If anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it.

jpw
XXXXXX

I cut your posting. It’s usually a terrifically bad idea to post a current email address. We get a lot of Spam you don’t see.

More detail would be good starting with the pink band info at the top of this page.

Then describe in detail how you connected everything. Headphone socket to Windows laptop Mic-In?

http://www.kozco.com/tech/audacity/Documents/PostingQuestions3.pdf

Koz