Another computer with no sound...

[julescoyote]

I've looked through similar problems but haven't been able to find the answer
I need... So here's my problem:
On my father's computer there is no audio at all. I can't remember if there
ever was.
Everything looks good. Music and videos are playing but there is no sound.
Speakers all seem okay. Everything I can find in system and audio control
panels seem okay.
Is downloading a sound card all I need? How do I know if that's what's needed?
The computer has XP Home Edition 2002 Service Pack 3.
If anyone can help we would be extremely grateful.
Thanks

 

[David B.]

You can't download a sound card, sound cards are hardware. Have you verified
the speakers work by testing with another device?

 

[Elmo]

I've looked through similar problems but haven't been able to find the answer
I need... So here's my problem:
On my father's computer there is no audio at all. I can't remember if there
ever was.
Everything looks good. Music and videos are playing but there is no sound.
Speakers all seem okay. Everything I can find in system and audio control
panels seem okay.

Some sound cards need powered speakers; they don't put out enough
wattage to drive non-powered speakers.

Is downloading a sound card all I need? How do I know if that's what's needed?

You mean an updated driver for the current audio/sound card.. Look to
the manufacturer of the card or the computer manufacturer for a driver.

The computer has XP Home Edition 2002 Service Pack 3.
If anyone can help we would be extremely grateful.
Thanks

Also consider the help offered by Kelly, here:

Where did my sounds go?
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs2.htm

 

[Bubba]

Jules,

Make sure you have a set of computer speakers plugged into the sound card on
the back of your computer. Usually the speaker plugs into the middle or
green jack. If it's a really old computer look for an icon with an arrow
pointing out.

Right click "My Computer" icon and select properties and go into device
manager under hardware. Now look under "Sound, Video and Game Controllers"
to be sure everything is working (no red X's or yellow ?'s).

If that's ok go into control panel and open "sound and audio devices." Be
sure Mute is unchecked and place volume icon in taskbar is checked. Click
speaker volume and be sure it's up to max.

Now click the little speaker icon in the taskbar on the bottom right of the
desktop. Make sure the volumes are set reasonably and not muted.

If it's your CD/DVD player that's not working and other sounds such as
windows dings are heard, may want to check that your audio cable from the CD
player is connect to the sound card (if your machine requires one).

Hope this helps. Write back the results of your investigations and we'll
try to provide more help.

Bubba