Using Earpods on PC with TRRS to 2xTRS splitter I just purchased a 4-pin to 2x3-pin audio adapter to use my earpods on a PC. However when I test the microphone all I can hear is a high pitched noise. The earpods are confirmed working on a retina MBP and android phone (everything works on MBP, mic + centre button works on android phone but no volume control as expected). I have tested a pair of beats in-ear earphones with the new splitter, and they're working perfectly (audio + mic). The beats earphones also work with my MBP. Any ideas on why the earpods don't like my splitter? I'm fairly certain beats and apple use the same CTIA standard.
Uninstall your audio drivers and restart. Just use the Microsoft default driver.
If it still not working, just press the middle button once.

It seems like the problem comes with these buttons, not the mic.