External sound card?

Question

I'm not getting any sound from my computer and I really think it is a hardware problem, not software. A few people suggested that I just get a new sound card, but I'm afraid to open my computer and try to install it. I think I might mess something up simply because I've never done that before. Besides, I wouldn't even know which one to buy. So my question is, can I get an external sound card and just hook it up to a USB port? That would be so much easier and harder to mess something else up.

Answer 1

Yes, it may the ur in-built sound hardware problem or just driver problem and if it is driver problem just download the latest drivers from manufacturers website and install it cleanly ( removing the older one ) , if this did not work, get a external sound card so u dont need mess with ur PC ... see ya later buddy

Answer 2

There are external sound cards avaliable, but changing out an existing one isn't nearly as intimidating as it sounds. All you need is a screwdriver.

First, Turn off the power to your computer, and lay it on it's side so that the left hand panel is facing up. Then unplug the power cable (Usually it's black, it will always plug in next to a fan)

Use a phillips screwdriver (the one with the point that looks like an X. Or a cross if you look at it slightly twisted) to remove the two screws holding on the left hand panel, then remove the panel by sliding it towards the back about an inch then lifting it away.

Next (and most important) ground yourself. Just touch any metal componant to discharge any static charge that may have built up. Repeat this step fairly often while you have the side panel open. And ALWAYS do it before you touch something inside the case.

Now, locate the sound card. (Look at the outside to see where your speakers plug in, and find the corresponding location inside) There are two "types" of soundcard you may be dealing with. If the speakers plug into a card which is plugged into the motherboard (the large board inside that everything plugs into) then you remove the one screw holding it to the case. Once the screw is removed, you should be able to remove the card with a firm but steady pull upwards. Keep in mind it will be in there firmly, so you may have to use more force than you expect. As long as you don't hold onto any componants that can move (capicitors, etc) you won't hurt the card.

The other type of sound device is built into the motherboard. For this, you'll have the sound plugs located fairly close to a number of other plugs, like your keyboard and mouse, and your USB. When this happens, you can skip the step about removing the card. You'll need to go into your computer's BIOS and turn off the "built in sound device"

To insert the replacement card, you're basically doing the removal steps in reverse. Place the new card gently on the socket you pulled the old card from. (Assuming you have a newer computer, it will be called a PCI slot, which is white and is located about an inch from the edge of the motherboard) Make sure you have the contacts lined up with the socket, and the plugs lined up with the hole in the side of the computer. The tab that the screw holds to the case will be raised from the screw hole about a CM or so. Now use gentle but firm force to slide the conatchs into the socket below. The card should go in with a little persuasion. Just secure it in it's socket with the screw and you're done. Just close up the case, plug the computer back in, turn it on and install the drivers that came with the card.

As for choosing a card, unless you plan on doing something "special" with your computer (Plugging in a synthesizer and recording music directly) you don't really need anything special. Look at the features of the soundcard and find one you like. You can find a basic "make the computer go *bing* and play my MP3's" model fairly inexpensively.

Answer 3

Try this link to get some info:

http://www.hardcoreware.net/reviews/review-176-1.htm