How to Re-Enable Speakers on a Windows Vista Computer

If you happen to be one of the many computer users running the Windows Vista operating system on a computer or laptop, you might run into the problem of not being able to hear sound from the computer’s speakers. Whether it’s sound from the built in speakers, a USB headset or plug in speakers, many Windows Vista users have run into the problem of no computer sound.

Before picking up the computer and chucking it out of the window, here are a few simple steps for re-enabling the speakers on a computer running Windows Vista.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Access the Control Panel via the Start menu. It should be located on the right hand side of the menu options.

2. Click on the Sound icon in the Control Panel and access the Playback tab. If all of the sound devices are disabled, more than likely the Playback tab will display a blank white screen or wording to the effect of “There are no sound devices for this system.” It might also display one of your sound devices, but not the speakers you wish to listen to.

3. 
   Windows Vista Sound Playback

   Right mouse click in the blank white area of the Playback screen. This will bring up a menu of which one of the options should read “Show disabled sound devices.” Click on that option to re-enable the sound devices for the computer.

4. Save your settings and test your speakers. The Windows Vista operating system presents many challenges. Listening to your speakers should not be one of them.

Tips & Warnings

• Print out these directions and keep a copy close to your computer. If you accidentally disabled your Windows Vista speakers, there is a chance you might do it again. This time you’ll have the remedy close by.

Resources

• Portable Computer Speakers