Troubleshooting Sound Systems
Computer sound system problems can be frustrating and time-consuming. If you are having problems with audio output loss, use the following steps to check the functioning of your speakers, volume control, sound driver, and sound hardware yourself before contacting a paid computer repair service for help. Most problems have a simple do-it-yourself solution that will save you time and money.
Speakers
Confirm that your speakers are plugged into a wall outlet, connected to each other correctly, and plugged into the computer by the speaker/headphone port. If connections between the speakers are unclear to you, refer to the speaker manual. Make sure the speakers’ volume knob (not the volume control on the computer) is turned up.
If all connections are correct, try using the speakers with another working machine, such as a stereo or another computer. If the speakers still do not work with another device, they are probably broken. If they do work, go on to the next steps to check the computer.
Computer Volume
Open your computer’s volume control (right-click volume icon in the desktop tray) and check that the main volume, plus the other volume sliders, are turned up and not muted.
Sound Driver
Follow these steps to troubleshoot, update, and/or reinstall your driver:
In the Start menu, select Control Panel. Open the Sounds and Audio Devices window and select the Hardware tab. Double-click your sound driver’s name in the list of devices. You can use the troubleshoot button to have Windows check the driver, or click the Driver tab and click the “Update Driver” button and follow the steps to check for new updates. You can check your computer manufacturer’s website yourself to look for driver updates instead. Reinstalling the driver sometimes solves audio problems; to reinstall click the “Uninstall” button under the Driver tab and then restart your computer. The driver should install automatically; if not, install the driver manually either from a CD or from the computer manufacturer’s website.
Sound Card
WARNING: Removing original hardware from the computer yourself voids most warranties. Check to make sure, and if your computer is under warranty, you may want to have a professional check your sound card. If the computer is no longer under warranty or if voiding the warranty is not a concern, follow these steps to check the sound card hardware:
Shut down and unplug the computer. In order to move the computer case to a more convenient location, you may need to disconnect the monitor, keyboard, and other hardware from the case. Open the case, making sure to discharge any static electricity first. The speaker port will indicate which card is the sound card. For help removing and reinstalling the sound card, you can visit the Microsoft website for step-by-step instructions (link below). After reinstalling the card, close the case, reconnect any cords and plug the computer in. Start the computer to check the audio. If the sound card is working correctly and the speakers are connected, the audio output should be normal.
