Fixing Computer Speakers

4 Tips for Fixing Computer Speakers

If the speakers of your computer are not working, you may be able to fix the problem yourself and avoid repair costs with a little troubleshooting. Here are four tips for systems running Windows XP Home or Professional.

Tip 1

Start by making some basic checks. Make sure the speakers are properly connected to your computer and turned on.

Tip 2

Connect the speakers to another system, if possible. If sound comes back, check your sound drivers. If you don’t hear any sound, then there is probably a problem within the speakers.

Here is how you can check your driver:

• Right click on the "My Computer" icon in the startup menu and select "Properties" from the submenu. Here you will find the "Hardware" tab which will take you to the "Device Manager" button.

• To find your sound card, expand the "Sounds, video, and game controllers" heading. Here you will find the sound card present in your system. If you see an exclamation point (!) over the card icon, then a major driver error has occurred.

• Double-click on the sound card’s name for opening a new window. Click the “Drivers” tab present in the new properties window. If you cannot find this tab, then you have selected the wrong sound device. Return and choose again. Choose the "Driver Update" option in the “Drivers” tab. Act according to the Wizard's onscreen instructions for updating your driver. You can also ask the system manufacturer for the latest audio drivers. They are normally available online.

• If you are already using the latest driver, uninstall it by clicking the "Uninstall Driver" button. After uninstalling the driver, restart the computer. Automatic reinstallation should take place when you restart your computer. If this does not happen, perform a manual installation with software (or a download) from the manufacturer.

Tip 3

Use the "Windows Troubleshooter." You can find a button for troubleshooting the device on the "Drivers" tab. Use that button and act according to the instructions appearing on the screen.

Tip 4

If you use a PC, check the sound card itself. Shut down your system properly and then remove each cable connected to the system. Touch a grounded metal object, such as a door knob, for discharging any static. Open the CPU. Check the location of the audio plug on the outside of your PC. The location of the sound card should correspond to the location of the audio plug on the inside of the PC. Go to Microsoft’s website and check the detailed instruction for sound card installation; remove the sound card by simply doing the reverse. Once the sound card is back in, attach the cables you unplugged and boot the system.

Note: You should not follow this tip if your PC is still under warranty, because following this tip may void it. Contact your service provider if this is the situation.