Sound Card Identification.

I recently purchased a headset with microphone attached to it. I had installed it and the micropone does not work. I found out that the microphone needs some type power (ex. battery). I purchased a powered mic from Radio Shack and it works fine.My question is that, how do I know from one sound card to another if it needs a powered microphone. I will be sending headsets to customers and I need to know if they need a powered microphone. Thanks.