My Sound Just Stopped...I Don't Know Why

J

Jim

What happened:
My computer suddenly has no sound.

When did I first notice this:
Just a few hours ago. Up until then, I had sound working just fine.

Did I do something dumb?:
I don't think I did. I have not downloaded a thing.

My system:
Windows XP Home with SP-2. 768MB of SDRAM. 291GB of hard drive. My computer
is a Dell Dimension 4550.

I have and scan daily with AVG anti-virus, AdAware, Spybot S&D, CWShredder,
Spyware Blaster. I also have the free Zone Alarm firewall installed and
running. I have a high speed Cox Communications internet connection.

Symptoms:
The speaker icon in my system tray has disappeared. I cannot get sound with
external speakers or headphones. My computer will not play music CD's but
will allow me to access data (only) CD's and/or DVD's.

In Device Manager, there are no red "X"'s or exclamation points in yellow
balls. When I check the properties of everything under the Sound, Video and
Game controllers, everything is reported as working properly.

I cannot check my system sounds. They don't work, either.

Under Sounds and Audio Devices Properties (Control Panel applet), under
Volume everything is greyed out and the words "No Audio Device" appear next
to the speaker icon near the top of the tab.

In the Hardware tab, every entry, next to Device Status, indicates the same
thing: This device is working properly.

What I have tried, so far:
I attempted to uninstall all my audio codecs. The computer won't allow me.
I did manage to get one codec to uninstall - the Unimodem Half-Duplex Audio
Device. When I rebooted, it reinstalled itself but it hasn't helped.
I have unplugged and re-plugged in the headphones. Didn't help.
I thought to look in MSCONFIG, but didn't see anything which might effect my
sound having stopped.
I checked the Creative Labs web site for any updated Soubd Blaster drivers.
I allowed Creative Labs to perform an automated search of my computer. The
results came back that my computer has the most recent SB drivers installed
and operating correctly.

What I would like:
To get my sound back!
Someone who might suggest what I have missed and that I can try.
Any assistance any one can offer.
Thank you!

Jim
 
B

Brian A.

Jim said:
What happened:
My computer suddenly has no sound.

When did I first notice this:
Just a few hours ago. Up until then, I had sound working just fine.

Did I do something dumb?:
I don't think I did. I have not downloaded a thing.

My system:
Windows XP Home with SP-2. 768MB of SDRAM. 291GB of hard drive. My computer
is a Dell Dimension 4550.

I have and scan daily with AVG anti-virus, AdAware, Spybot S&D, CWShredder,
Spyware Blaster. I also have the free Zone Alarm firewall installed and
running. I have a high speed Cox Communications internet connection.

Symptoms:
The speaker icon in my system tray has disappeared. I cannot get sound with
external speakers or headphones. My computer will not play music CD's but
will allow me to access data (only) CD's and/or DVD's.

In Device Manager, there are no red "X"'s or exclamation points in yellow
balls. When I check the properties of everything under the Sound, Video and
Game controllers, everything is reported as working properly.

I cannot check my system sounds. They don't work, either.

Under Sounds and Audio Devices Properties (Control Panel applet), under
Volume everything is greyed out and the words "No Audio Device" appear next
to the speaker icon near the top of the tab.

In the Hardware tab, every entry, next to Device Status, indicates the same
thing: This device is working properly.

What I have tried, so far:
I attempted to uninstall all my audio codecs. The computer won't allow me.
I did manage to get one codec to uninstall - the Unimodem Half-Duplex Audio
Device. When I rebooted, it reinstalled itself but it hasn't helped.
I have unplugged and re-plugged in the headphones. Didn't help.
I thought to look in MSCONFIG, but didn't see anything which might effect my
sound having stopped.
I checked the Creative Labs web site for any updated Soubd Blaster drivers.
I allowed Creative Labs to perform an automated search of my computer. The
results came back that my computer has the most recent SB drivers installed
and operating correctly.

What I would like:
To get my sound back!
Someone who might suggest what I have missed and that I can try.
Any assistance any one can offer.
Thank you!

Jim

What shows as the Default devices to use in Control Panel > Sound and Audio Devices
applet > Audio tab? If your audio device does not show, can you select it from the
dropdown list?
Can you click on the Advanced button? If yes, does it show the proper speaker
configuration?
Have you checked the BIOS to make sure the Audio is Enabled?
If you have the correct files to reinstall your audio device, have you tried
uninstalling the Audio devices in Safe Mode > Device Manager > Sound, Video and Game
Controllers?
Have you checked to make sure all of the wires/cables are properly/securely
connected inside and outside of the case?
Have you tried your headphones in both the back and front? BTW, it's ill advised
to disconnect/connect audio components while the machine is turned on, it could fry
the ports.

--


Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Windows Desktop User Experience }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
 

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