Vista - Altec Lansing FX6021 Subwoofer Problem

I have an Altec Lansing FX6021 2.1 system on my Dell with Vista Home Premium. The bass on these speakers goes out and comes back for a week, then goes out again.

I originally thought it was the sound card, but after trying out my Ipod on the speakers, the same thing happened. I then knew it must be the speaekers.

I unplugged the controller cord (cord from sub to volume dial) and plugged it in again, and heard a loud POP in the speakers. They then started working again.

Now a few weeks later it has happened again, and this time when I try to re-plugg the controller cord, nothing happens. I cannot get any bass response from my sub. The speakers work still, but the sound is very tinny. Why is this happening? I am frustrated because this is a nice set of speakers and it this should not happen after only 1 1/2 years of use.


Thanks for your help!

- Matt


****UPDATE***

20 minutes after writing this post, I play an mp3 and the bass works again. I am really miffed. Any ideas as to why my speakers can't decide if they want to work or not?

---UPDATE---
The sub has yet again gone out; only tinny music now (hands up in the air).

Voice coils go bad - it's a fact of life. Keep monitoring the situation.