How to Troubleshoot PC Sound

If your speakers are not producing any sound, if the sound is garbled or if you're only hearing sound from one speaker, chances are there's nothing wrong with your sound equipment. Most computer sound problems are caused by disconnected cables, improperly installed software and incorrect settings. There's no need to panic if your PC sound suddenly stops working. By going through a simple series of routine steps, you can find what is causing the malfunction.

Instructions

1. Pull out or turn your computer so that you can see the back panel. Ensure that the audio cable is securely plugged into the correct connector, and that it is pushed all the way in. On many sound cards and on-board sound devices, the correct connector will read "Out" or "Line Out." In other cases, it will have a small green panel and an icon with an arrow facing away from a center dot.

2. Check the speaker adapter to see if it's plugged in, and turn the speakers on. Adjust the volume on the speakers.

3. Click Start > Control Panel > Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices > Sounds and Audio Devices. Select the "Volume" tab. Ensure that the volume is properly set and that the "Mute" checkbox is not selected. Click "Advanced." Check the volume levels in each area and uncheck the "Mute" box where it is selected.

4. Visit the sound device manufacturer's website to download sound driver updates. Ensure that you select your operating system and model number from the menus prior to downloading the file.

5. Click Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > System. Select the "Hardware" tab. Click the "Device Manager" button. Click the plus button beside "Sound, Video and Game Controllers." See if there are any conflicts between audio devices that are installed on your computer. For example, if you have just installed a sound card, look for the onboard sound device. Right click the entry for the device, then click "Uninstall." If the device will not uninstall, disable it.

6. Power down the computer and unplug all cables from the back, including the power cable. Open the case to your computer. Touch an unpainted area of the computer chassis to discharge any static electricity. Ensure that your sound card is securely installed in the expansion slot on the motherboard. Also, make sure that your CD and DVD drives have audio cables properly installed. Ensure that these cables lead to the motherboard if you're using onboard sound or to the sound card if you have one installed. Consult your computer's documentation to see if there are any jumpers that need to be changed for your sound configuration to work properly.

Tips & Warnings

• In some cases, doing a cold boot can resolve a sound driver conflict. Shut your computer down, leave it off for at least 30 seconds, then turn it back on again.