Yes, there are separate microphone/headphone plugs. I also originally thought that it could just be a problem with the headphone connection, but don't think that's the case because the same thing happens no matter where I plug it in (e.g,. if I plug it into the laptop directly, or into the jacks that are on the docking station, or through the USB key thing). And I don't think it's the physical plug itself, because the headphones work fine on another computer.
Yes, there are separate microphone/ headphone plugs. I also originally thought that it could just be a problem with the headphone connection, but don't think that's the case because the same thing happens no matter where I plug it in (e.g,. if I plug it into the laptop directly, or into the jacks that are on the docking station, or through the USB key thing). And I don't think it's the physical plug itself, because the headphones work fine on another computer.