I hear no sound on my computer?

Question

I hear no sound when I play music on my computer, I don't get any sound when I play any comp. games either. I updated my sound driver, and I switched speakers, checked the connection, but nothing of tha sort was wrong, I looked in the cntrol panel under sounds and audio devices to see if I had the sound muted or lowered, it wasn't, I have no idea what could be wrong with my sound, anyone else have a clue?

As I said, I already updated my drivers, no there were no other programs running. =(

I just found what may be the source of the problem, under "Sound, video and game controllers" I found an exclamation mark next to "Sound Blaster 16 or AWE32 or compatible (WDM)" When I click on it it says "This device cannot start. Code 10"

Answer 1

Per:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/1e87a3e8-c0e8-49af-980f-9eb6686f42d21033.mspx

Make sure that the speaker volume is not muted or turned down too low.


1. Open Volume Control by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Hardware and Sound, and then, under Audio Devices and Sound, clicking Adjust system volume.
2. Under Main Volume, move the slider up or down to raise or lower the volume.
NoteSome mobile PCs have an external volume control on the outside of the case. If you're using a mobile PC, check the external volume control.
•Make sure you don't have headphones plugged into the line out (headphone) jack of your sound card or computer (unless you want to be listening with headphones rather than speakers). When you plug in headphones, most computers automatically cut the sound to the speakers.

If these steps don’t solve the problem, check the information that came with your computer and speakers or go to the manufacturer's website.

Sound from my speakers is crackled or distorted.

•Make sure your speakers are correctly connected to your computer.

On your speakers, find the cable that plugs into your computer. Make sure that the speaker cable is plugged into the speakers and the correct jack on the computer. For example, if the cable is a 1/8 inch cable, there should be a round jack for it on the back of the computer. If it is a USB cable, it will plug into any USB port on your computer.

If these steps don’t fix the problem, check the information that came with your computer and speakers or go to the manufacturer's website.

I have a sound card in my computer, but Windows doesn't recognize it.


For Windows to recognize your sound card, you must find and install a compatible driver for your sound card. Most sound cards require driver software to work properly. Be sure that you have installed any software discs that came with the device. If you don't have a disc or the software on the disc does not solve the problem, follow these steps:


1. Visit the website of the sound card manufacturer to check if a driver is available. If one is available, download it. If not, contact the manufacturer.
2 Open Device Manager by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Device Manager. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
4. In Device Manager, look for a sound card under Sound, video and game controllers and confirm that Windows does not recognize your card.
5. Close Device Manager.
6. Open Control Panel by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel.
7. In the Search box in Control Panel, type add hardware.
8. Click Install drivers for older devices with Add Hardware wizard. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.


I found a new driver for my sound card, but I'm not sure how to install it.

Out-of-date drivers can cause sound problems, so it is a good idea to install the latest driver for your sound card.

Follow these steps:


1. Open Device Manager by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Device Manager. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
2. In Device Manager, locate your sound card under Sound, video and game controllers, and then double-click the device name.
3. Click the Driver tab, and then click Update Driver.

Answer 2

I had the saame problem. Don't listen to those guys, i asked teh same question, nothing helped, it depends if the speakers are built in ur comp, or if theyre external, i went to buy external speakers and everything was a okaay. and if one of those guys answers does help notify on this message board. good luck dude!

Answer 3

Sometimes there will be a rogue program that's taken control of your sound card, even though it's not playing anything. Try closing any processes you find in Task Manager (Start -> Run -> taskmgr) and see if it helps.

Answer 4

Try updating the drivers