To troubleshoot audio issues follow these steps and test your audio after performing each one:

Note: Some of these steps may not apply to your computer.

1. Make sure the external speakers and their power supply are working properly.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Make sure the speakers are turned on.
     
     
   • Check for proper connection to the audio output jacks. Learn more about the audio connectors and how your speakers should be connected.
   
   
   

   
   
   Typical audio output connector
   

   
   
   
2. Make sure audio is enabled in the System Configuration Utility.
   
   
   
   
3. Click the speaker icon on the Windows system tray to open the Volume control. Make sure the operating system Volume control is set and sounds are not muted.
   
    
   
   Note: If the speaker icon is not on the windows task bar press F1 while the Windows desktop is active and search for "Volume control" for instructions on how to change the volume and add the speaker icon to the task bar.
   
   
   
   
4. Double-click the speaker icon on the Windows system tray to open the Master Output Volume control panel. Make sure the audio devices are enabled and not muted in the Master Output Volume Control.

5. Test the audio in the Sounds and Audio Devices Properties dialog box.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   1. Select an active event sound in the Program events: box. Make sure the Play button is not grayed out .
      
      
      
   2. Select the sound you would like to associate to the event from the Sounds: drop-down list.
      
      
      
   3. Click the Play button . You should hear the sound you selected.
      
      

6. Make sure the latest audio drivers are installed.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Find audio drivers for your computer

   
   
   
   
7. Make sure the latest version of Direct X is installed using DXDIAG.EXE.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   1. Click Start then click Run...
      
      
      
   2. Type dxdiag in the Open: field.
      
      
      
   3. Click OK.
      
      
      
   4. Review the resulting information for accuracy.
      
      
      
   5. Find the DirectX Version: listed. Compare this with the latest version available from Microsoft at https://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx. Download and install the latest version if necessary.
      
      
   
   
   
8. 
   
   

   Use the System Restore utility in Windows XP to save the current configuration then restore the original system configuration. If you need help using this utility press F1 while the Windows desktop is active and search for "system restore". With other operating systems use ConfigSafe to save the current configuration then restore the original configuration. If you need help using ConfigSafe press F1 while using ConfigSafe to access the help menu.
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Backup/restore utility - This automated solution will identify programs that may help back up and restore configuration files and other important information. Restoring these files may fix some problems with your computer.

   
   
   
   
9. If equipped with an internal audio speaker make sure the speaker connector is securely attached to the system board.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Find the system board diagram for your computer

   
   
   
   
10. Make sure the audio cable that connects the CD-ROM CD-RW or DVD-ROM drive to the system board or sound card is securely attached. Refer to Troubleshooting CD-ROM CD-RW and DVD-ROM drive issues for troubleshooting problems with CD or DVD-ROMs.
    
    
    
    
11. Remove any optional adapters and devices such as network cards that have been added to the computer.
    
    
    
    
12. If these steps have not solved the problem:
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    Browse for other Audio tips for your system.

    Or refer to "Need more help?"