My speakers are too plugged in!!!

FrustratedAgain

New Member
I have been trying for a very long time to get my sound back on my computer, but no luck, so I'm really hoping someone can help me here in this forum. My desktop PC is an HP model #a6318f 32bit, and my operating system is Vista Home Premium. I have a Realtek driver that has been updated again and again and again just a few minutes ago. Problem is "Speakers are unplugged". I've unplugged and replugged, even tried different outlets. Tried the front, replugged to the back and still no sound. I've tried uninstalling the realtek driver and rebooting the computer, and yes, Windows did reinstall the driver, but still without sound and just that annoying speakers are unplugged error in my audio manager.

Please can someone help me get my sound back? Youtube videos are nothing without sound and I miss hearing the various windows beeps and chimes.

Thanks in advance!
 

My Computer

Hello FrustratedAgain,

Do you have your Vista Installation CD's?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion Elite
    CPU
    AMD Phenom 9850 Quad-Core Processor
    Motherboard
    Some Amount of Motherness
    Memory
    6.O GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA nVIDIA GeForce GT 240 512MB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Some Amount of Soundness
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Two Monitors: HP w1907 & Acer P191w
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 & 1440x900
    Hard Drives
    WD Caviar Blue 500GB
    PSU
    Some Amount of Voltageness
    Case
    Hp Pavilion Elite Case
    Cooling
    Some Amount of Coolingness
    Keyboard
    HP: Model Number: KB0911
    Mouse
    HP: M/N:M-SBQ133
    Internet Speed
    Comcast: 20 MB/S
    Other Info
    I have two monitors! I play Call of Duty: Black Ops & Modern Warfare II - Both on PC. Contact me through my website: ChaseKurry.com
Hi Chase,

No, I don't have the Vista CD's. When I bought this computer from the store it was already factory installed. That was shortly after Vista first came out, and the techs at the store went in and removed a bunch of what the salesman said was like advertising stuff that would pop up and be on the desktop etc. I'm not real techie myself, and I had heard a lot of negativity about Vista, so I had them do that for me.
 

My Computer

Have you made sure of all these? :

(The link to the page is at the bottom of this post)

Microsoft said:
There are a few simple things to check first:

  • Make sure your computer has a sound card.
    You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.
    1. Open Device Manager by clicking the Start button
      4f6cbd09-148c-4dd8-b1f2-48f232a2fd33.png
      , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Device Manager.*
      18abb370-ac1e-4b6b-b663-e028a75bf05b.png
      If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
    2. Expand the Sound, video and game controllers category. If a sound card is listed, you have one installed. If no sound card is listed, You will need to install one. See Install or remove a sound card.
      gl_ico.png

      Note

      If you think you have a sound card installed but you don’t see it under the Sound, video and game controllers category, expand the Other devices category and check any devices listed there.
    3. If there is a yellow question mark next to the name of the sound card, there might be a problem. Right-click the name of the sound card, and then click Properties.
    4. Click the General tab, and then look in the Device status box to identify problems with the sound card.


  • Make sure your speakers are plugged into a working power source and turned on.

  • Make sure your speakers are correctly connected to the computer.
    On your speakers, find the cable that plugs into your computer. Make sure that the speaker cable is plugged into the speakers and the correct jack on the computer. For example, if the cable is a 1/8 inch cable, there should be a round jack for it on the back of the computer. If it is a universal serial bus (USB) cable, it will plug into any USB port on your computer.

  • Make sure that the speaker volume is not muted or turned down too low.
    1. Open Volume Control by clicking the Start button
      4f6cbd09-148c-4dd8-b1f2-48f232a2fd33.png
      , clicking Control Panel, clicking Hardware and Sound, and then, under Audio Devices and Sound, clicking Adjust system volume.
    2. Under Main Volume, move the slider up or down to raise or lower the volume.
    gl_ico.png

    Note

    Some mobile PCs have an external volume control on the outside of the case. If you're using a mobile PC, check the external volume control.


  • Make sure your headphones are not plugged into the line out (headphone) jack of your sound card or computer (unless you want to be listening with headphones rather than speakers). When you plug in headphones, most computers automatically cut the sound to the speakers.
If these steps don’t solve the problem, check the information that came with your computer and speakers or go to the manufacturer's website.


Tips for fixing common sound problems
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion Elite
    CPU
    AMD Phenom 9850 Quad-Core Processor
    Motherboard
    Some Amount of Motherness
    Memory
    6.O GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA nVIDIA GeForce GT 240 512MB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Some Amount of Soundness
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Two Monitors: HP w1907 & Acer P191w
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 & 1440x900
    Hard Drives
    WD Caviar Blue 500GB
    PSU
    Some Amount of Voltageness
    Case
    Hp Pavilion Elite Case
    Cooling
    Some Amount of Coolingness
    Keyboard
    HP: Model Number: KB0911
    Mouse
    HP: M/N:M-SBQ133
    Internet Speed
    Comcast: 20 MB/S
    Other Info
    I have two monitors! I play Call of Duty: Black Ops & Modern Warfare II - Both on PC. Contact me through my website: ChaseKurry.com
Try these after:

(The link to the page is at the bottom of this post)

Microsoft said:
To resolve this problem, use the following methods in the order in which they are presented. After you try each method, determine whether you can hear sound. To do this, play an audio file by using a program such as Windows Media Player.

You may find it easier to follow the steps if you print this article first.

Note Make sure that the speakers are plugged in and turned on. Also, make sure that the speakers are not on mute and that the volume on the computer speakers and on the program volume control is set high enough so that you can hear sound. Back to the top
Method 1: Restart the computer

Restart the computer at least one time after you install a Windows Vista service pack to verify that all processes related to the installation are complete.

After you restart the computer, determine whether you can hear sound. If you can hear sound, the issue is resolved. If you cannot hear sound, try Method 2.Back to the top
Method 2: Try another sound device

If it is possible, try plugging a different sound device into the computer. For example, if you were using speakers, try a different pair of speakers or a set of headphones to make sure that the problem is not related to the sound device.

Determine whether you can hear sound. If you can hear sound, there is a problem with the original sound device and the issue is resolved. If you cannot hear sound, plug the original sound device back into the computer, and then go to Method 3.Back to the top
Method 3: Unplug the computer speakers

Unplug the computer speakers or other sound devices that you may be using, such as headphones, from the computer and then plug them back in to the same port. Most sound cards that are compatible with Windows Vista include a feature that detects sound devices plugged into the audio jack. This procedure may prompt the audio detection feature to detect and configure the sound device to make sound.

Determine whether you can now hear sound. If you can hear sound, the issue is resolved. If you cannot hear sound, try Method 4.Back to the top
Method 4: Verify that the default sound device is set correctly

After you install a Windows Vista service pack, you may find that the default sound device, also known as the playback device, was changed. You may also find that the sound quality has changed. Make sure that the default sound device is set correctly for the sound device that you are using. To set the default device, follow these steps:
  1. Click StartCollapse this imageExpand this image
    VistaStartButton.jpg

    , type Sound in the Start Search box.
  2. Click Sound in the search results at the top of the Start menu.
  3. Click the Playback tab. Notice the check mark next to the default device. For most users, the default device is Speakers. Make sure that your audio settings are configured as expected. Follow these steps:
    1. On the Playback tab, select the playback device, click Properties, click the Advanced tab, and make sure that the Default Format is set to the value that you expect. When you finish, close this window to return to the previous window.
    2. On the Playback tab, select the playback device, click Configure, and then make sure the configurations are set correctly.
    If the sound settings are set correctly, you are using speakers as the sound device, and your speakers are already set as the default device, go to method 5 now.
  4. Select the sound device that you want as the default sound device, and then click Set Default.
  5. Click OK to save your settings and to close the Sound dialog box.
Determine whether you can now hear sound. If you can hear sound, the issue is resolved. If you cannot hear sound, try method 5.Back to the top
Method 5: Verify that a sound driver is installed

Without a sound driver, you will not hear sound. Make sure that a sound driver is installed. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click StartCollapse this imageExpand this image
    VistaStartButton.jpg

    , type Device Manager in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
  2. In the Device Manager dialog box, expand Sound, video, and game controllers.

    If there is a speaker icon next to the sound driver, the driver is installed. If there is a yellow question mark next to the sound driver, the driver is not present or will not load.
Go to method 6 to reload the current sound driver and test for sound.Back to the top
Method 6: Reload the current sound driver

If you discovered in method 5 that the sound driver was not installed, or if you discovered that the sound driver was installed but is not working, try to reload the sound driver. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click StartCollapse this imageExpand this image
    VistaStartButton.jpg

    , type Device Manager in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
  2. In the Device Manager dialog box, expand Sound, video, and game controllers.
  3. Locate the audio device that was included with the computer.
  4. Right-click the device, and then click Properties.
  5. Click the Driver tab, and then click Uninstall.
  6. Make sure that the Delete the Driver Software for this device check box is cleared, and then click OK.
  7. In the Device Manager dialog box, click the Action menu, and then click Scan for hardware changes.

    You receive a message that states that a hardware device is being installed, and then the uninstalled audio device appears in Device Manager.
  8. Close the Device Manager dialog box.
Determine whether you can now hear sound. If you can hear sound, the issue is resolved. If the current sound driver did not reload or if it did reload, but you cannot hear sound, try method 7.Back to the top
Method 7: Update the current sound driver

If the current sound driver does not seem to be working, see whether there is an updated sound driver that you can install. To request an updated sound driver, contact the manufacturer of the sound driver.

For information about how to contact hardware and software vendors, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Hardware and software vendor contact information (Hardware and software vendor contact information)
Note In some cases, the manufacturer may instruct you to uninstall the current sound driver and to delete the driver files. To do this, follow the steps in method 5, but at step 6, click to select the Delete the Driver Software for this device check box.

How to troubleshoot sound problems that you experience after you install a Windows Vista Service Pack
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion Elite
    CPU
    AMD Phenom 9850 Quad-Core Processor
    Motherboard
    Some Amount of Motherness
    Memory
    6.O GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA nVIDIA GeForce GT 240 512MB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Some Amount of Soundness
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Two Monitors: HP w1907 & Acer P191w
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 & 1440x900
    Hard Drives
    WD Caviar Blue 500GB
    PSU
    Some Amount of Voltageness
    Case
    Hp Pavilion Elite Case
    Cooling
    Some Amount of Coolingness
    Keyboard
    HP: Model Number: KB0911
    Mouse
    HP: M/N:M-SBQ133
    Internet Speed
    Comcast: 20 MB/S
    Other Info
    I have two monitors! I play Call of Duty: Black Ops & Modern Warfare II - Both on PC. Contact me through my website: ChaseKurry.com
"Method 4: Verify that the default sound device is set correctly

After you install a Windows Vista service pack, you may find that the default sound device, also known as the playback device, was changed. You may also find that the sound quality has changed. Make sure that the default sound device is set correctly for the sound device that you are using. To set the default device, follow these steps:
  1. Click StartCollapse this imageExpand this image
    VistaStartButton.jpg

    , type Sound in the Start Search box.
  2. Click Sound in the search results at the top of the Start menu.
  3. Click the Playback tab. Notice the check mark next to the default device. For most users, the default device is Speakers. Make sure that your audio settings are configured as expected. Follow these steps:
    1. On the Playback tab, select the playback device, click Properties, click the Advanced tab, and make sure that the Default Format is set to the value that you expect. When you finish, close this window to return to the previous window.
    2. On the Playback tab, select the playback device, click Configure, and then make sure the configurations are set correctly.
    If the sound settings are set correctly, you are using speakers as the sound device, and your speakers are already set as the default device, go to method 5 now.
  4. Select the sound device that you want as the default sound device, and then click Set Default.
  5. Click OK to save your settings and to close the Sound dialog box."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Configure is greyed out so I can't click it.
 

My Computer

Hi FrustratedAgain,

I just wanted to let you know I haven't gave up on resolving your issue.

I will post back when I think I have found the solution.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion Elite
    CPU
    AMD Phenom 9850 Quad-Core Processor
    Motherboard
    Some Amount of Motherness
    Memory
    6.O GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA nVIDIA GeForce GT 240 512MB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Some Amount of Soundness
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Two Monitors: HP w1907 & Acer P191w
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 & 1440x900
    Hard Drives
    WD Caviar Blue 500GB
    PSU
    Some Amount of Voltageness
    Case
    Hp Pavilion Elite Case
    Cooling
    Some Amount of Coolingness
    Keyboard
    HP: Model Number: KB0911
    Mouse
    HP: M/N:M-SBQ133
    Internet Speed
    Comcast: 20 MB/S
    Other Info
    I have two monitors! I play Call of Duty: Black Ops & Modern Warfare II - Both on PC. Contact me through my website: ChaseKurry.com

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion Elite
    CPU
    AMD Phenom 9850 Quad-Core Processor
    Motherboard
    Some Amount of Motherness
    Memory
    6.O GB RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA nVIDIA GeForce GT 240 512MB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Some Amount of Soundness
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Two Monitors: HP w1907 & Acer P191w
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 & 1440x900
    Hard Drives
    WD Caviar Blue 500GB
    PSU
    Some Amount of Voltageness
    Case
    Hp Pavilion Elite Case
    Cooling
    Some Amount of Coolingness
    Keyboard
    HP: Model Number: KB0911
    Mouse
    HP: M/N:M-SBQ133
    Internet Speed
    Comcast: 20 MB/S
    Other Info
    I have two monitors! I play Call of Duty: Black Ops & Modern Warfare II - Both on PC. Contact me through my website: ChaseKurry.com
Thanks Chase. I've now done everything on the whole list, except restoring back to how my computer came from the factory (because I don't want all that extra stuff that I had the techs at the computer store remove). I'm still without sound. I don't think I'll ever have sound on this computer again and it's very disheartening. I do appreciate all your help that you've given.
 

My Computer

Bummer, I can't think of anything, except if you are using your home theater system for sound you may not be using the correct input?
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    Intel e5300 2.6GHz
    Motherboard
    ASRock G41M-LE
    Memory
    OCZ 4 gig 800 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    onboard 4500 GTX
    Sound Card
    Diamond XS 7.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" Insignia HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    60 Hertz
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 500 gig 7200 rpm, WD Green 5400 rpm 800 gig
    PSU
    550 Rocketfish
    Case
    Xion Solaris
    Cooling
    Skythe Katana III
    Keyboard
    eMachines
    Mouse
    Logiteck wireless lazer
    Internet Speed
    3.5 WiFi
    Other Info
    Line in to Yamaha RX-V465 HT receiver, Infinity RS1001 fronts& rear, Cambridge SoundWorks center, Yamaha YST-SW216 subwolf
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