PC Resource Guide, Audio Support Page

Audio Problems can normally be fixed by checking the following items.

As with any computer problem, always check the hardware path.  In other words, follow connections from your electric wall outlet to the problems source hardware.  Since this is an audio problem we check from the electric wall outlet to the sound card.  First step is to make sure that the speakers are functioning properly. Do they need to be plugged into an electical outlet, if so, is there an indication that the power is working, such as an LED light on the speakers.  Some speakers require electrical connection and some work of the computers audio power and still others require batteries.  Second step, are the speakers working?  You may be able to test them on another computer or audio device such as a stereo. You may also have to try a different set of speakers.  Once your sure the speakers have power and are working properly go to the next step.

Make sure that the speakers are plugged into the sound card correctly. There should be at least three plugs on your computer for audio devices. One output device, one input device and the microphone jack.  Before you go any further, make sure that your speakers are plugged into the correct jack.  This has to be the output jack. If you are not sure which is the output try all the jacks with an audio file being played.

Now we are out from the wall electrical outlet, we have passed the speaker and need to insure our sound card is functioning correctly. There are three areas in Windows that need to be checked for audio properties. We need to check the sound card first to make sure Windows recognizes it. Click on START, SETTINGS and CONTROL PANEL.

There are three settings we will be using. First, find the icon labeled System and double-click it.

This will open the Systems Properties page. Click on Device Manager.  Here you will see a list of items installed on your computer.  Double-click on the SOUND, VIDEO AND GAME CONTROLLERS sentence. This will list all the audio devices that are attached to your computer. If there is a yellow exclamation mark to the right of any of these devices the device is not working properly.  If the devices are present and there are no exclamation marks to the right close the SYSTEMS PROPERTIES page and skip to the next text frame.  If your sound card is not present or yellow exclamation marks are present you must remove the device by clicking on it and then click on REMOVE. Go to the Installing Hardware section. 

Our next step is to locate the MULTIMEDIA icon in the CONTROL PANEL. Double click the Multimedia icon. If you do not see a Multimedia Icon in the control panel stop here and using your Windows disk go to SETTINGS, CONTROL PANEL, ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS, WINDOWS and install the Multimedia files.

Here is where we look to make sure Windows knows what audio device we want to use. In the Audio, Playback section make sure your sound card information is in the Preferred device block. (it probably won’t be the same you see here). Make sure that the Show volume control on the taskbar is checked. This will place a small speaker on the right of your taskbar and allow you to change audio properties such as volume control from your desktop. You should also check the volume scale level to make sure it is not all the way to the right. Click Apply and OK.

Our next step is to locate the SOUND icon in the CONTROL PANEL. Double click the Sound Icon.

Our next step is to check the SOUNDs Properties page to make sure we have added default sounds to Windows. If all the windows in this properties page are blank go to the Schemes section at the bottom and click the down arrow to the right and select Windows Default. Click on Apply and then click on OK.  If no options are available your sound card or Multimedia options are not installed correctly. GO to Installing Hardware. 

At this point you should see the Volume control icon on your taskbar, (bottom right of your screen). If you do not see it, you have missed a step or your sound card or Windows Multimedia are not setup correctly.

This should be your last two steps!  Use your right mouse button and click once on the speaker Icon located on the taskbar (bottom right of your screen). Click on OPEN VOLUME CONTROLS. The Volume control panel will open.  Make sure none of the Mute all boxes are checked.  Set the volume on all at least at the halfway point on the volume slider. Choose OPTIONS and then EXIT.

This is your last step!  Use your left mouse button and click on the speaker Icon located on the taskbar (bottom right of your screen). This will open the VOLUME CONTROL. Set the volume at least at the halfway point on the volume slider. Restart your computer.

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