Computer Problem-no sound

[boatneck]

My 3-year old pc was working fine until last night when I realized the sound was not working. The sound card and speakers are OK since I can play audio CDs, but in the Windows 98 mode, no sounds at all. I checked everything I could using Windows device manager and Norton System Works and nothing helped. All diagnostics say everything is working OK--except there is no sound. I tried to remove the sound card (codec?) but the computer froze up when I clicked "remove". What could be the problem and how do I fix it? Any ideas?

 

[DJP]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

Given that probably the majority of folks who use these boards are just about savvy enough to turn their own systems on, don't ya think posting a question like that here might do more harm than good ? Try this link, find the forums and feedback section on the left and go to newsgrougs. Post your question there, I think you'll find you get much better results.<br /><br /> http://microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/community.aspx

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

I found out that it helps when you plug the little three pronged "thingy" into the three holes in the wall. If that doesn't work, I always use a hammer......that usually doesn't work either...thats wierd.<br /><br />Some computers have a feature that let you return them to a previous date of operation. In other words, if your computer was working fine last week, you can return to a date last week, and the computer will operate as it did on that date. Some sound cards allow you to re-install without uninstalling also. Have you added anything recently, or done anything that could have caused this? I am absolutely no pro, but I have had enough trial and error problems that I have learned a little.

 

[NathanY]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

Just try restarting your PC, mine does that sometimes.

 

[boatneck]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

Trippin, thanks for the Microsoft newsgroup site. I've submitted my question there. Re-booting doesn't help, although now I get a fatal exception error I didn't use to get when I re-boot and the date/time seems messed up. I'm unsure how to go back in time with the computer. My wife says it's time to upgrade since this one is pretty slow with the Norton overhead.

 

[Cobotr]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

Don't know what you've tried, so here's some suggestions to get you started.<br /><br />Win 98 doesn't have any kind of revert feature. So unless you use some kind of utility such as GoBack (which is great) you won't be able to do that.<br /><br />Since you seem to be having a number of problems, I would start with basic maintenance. Go to "Start", then "Programs", then "Accessories", then "System Tools". Out of this location run these programs tools. Disk Cleanup, Scandisk, and Disk Defragmenter. If you haven't done this in a while the defragmenter may take some time. When done, restart the computer and see if that helps with the error problems you're having.<br /><br />As for sound. You should have a small speaker at the lower right corner group of symbols. Double click that speaker, and make sure that you are not muted in the boxes that appear and that the volumes are up a bit. It may be ok to have the Microphone muted if it shows up. <br /><br />Next play a cd and look to see that the volume on the Media Player is up, as the two (Media Player and Master Volume) may not be linked to one another.

 

[Fishbusters]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

For some reason mine would not work one time and I went through everything I know to figure it out including trying headphones and other speakers. Then finally it dawned on me the one thing I had not tried just like mentioned above I checked to see if it was on mute. It turned out that somehow my speakers were not muted but the volume bar was all the way down. I still to this day don't know why nor has it happened agian but it does not hurt to check. BTW I resent the remark that most of us are lucky we can turn on our computers because if I recall correctly we have more than a few people here that work in the buisness.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

Don't worry...<br /><br />It's just Bill Gates pushing buttons again... <br />He must be working your area this week.<br />He's known to do that...Make your computer do weird unexpected things... <br /><br />LOL! <br /><br />I'm glad you found your problem. Do what I do from time to time:<br /><br />When my computer is running well, I not only make a restore point (Windows XP Pro), I back up all of my crucial files on a CDRW. After all, we are talking about Windows here...A known OS that WILL fail no matter what you do!<br /> <br />Backing your files up will get you back to normal much faster if the FORMAT C:/ ever comes to visit your computer.<br /><br />I also strongly recommend upgrading to XP. It really is a great improvement over the previous Windows. I don't know what I'd do without it! (Linux I would imagine )<br /><br />H.

 

[boatneck]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I've tried them all and the problem persists. The little speaker ikon has disappeared and I can't figure out how to restore it since then my sound would be back. The Microsoft newsgroup that Trippin suggested was no help since my problem was way too basic for anyone to respond. I may end doing what my wife said--get a new pc.

 

[Cobotr]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

Get to the Master Control (same as the little speaker icon) by "Start" then "Programs", then "Accessories", then "Entertainment", then "Volume Control". Check for muted or low volume settings. Also check for a master mute on the actual speaker system (external from the PC). You may not have one, I do, but I thought I would mention it just incase you have one.

 

[dkondelik]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

<Start>, <Settings>, <Control Panel>, <Multimedia><br /><br />in Multmedia, select the <Audio> tab (first tab on left).<br /><br />of the 2 item on this page, you'll find "Playback- Prefered-device" and "Recording Perfered-device"<br /><br />Confirm that you have something selected for "Playback - Prefered Device"<br /><br />let us know what you find.<br /><br />Good Luck<br /><br />this things can be a real pain in the are$e

 

[boatneck]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

Klondike, had done what you suggested--no help. Cobotr, tried your idea --could not get a response. That's probably the problem. Thanks anyway.

 

[boatneck]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

Sound is back! I don't know what I did--messed around with various items on control panel and Real One player to play a CD to be sure the speakers and sound card were still OK, re-booted, and the Windows opening chime was back! Thanks for all the help and moral support all you guys gave me. What a great site!

 

[Saltymut]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

There's your problem... REAL PLAYER !!! What a system hog.

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Computer Problem-no sound

i personally can't stand real player, and have had problems from it fogging a win98 pc before. its not cleanly removed either - wasn't for me anyway. its about as sticky as kudzu in a vineyard but kudos on having sound again! its almost impossible to avoid ending up with RP from downloading various emailed sound bytes from friends.