Computer question..

**John4cam** · 03-06-2011, 10:08 PM

Hey guys, has anyone ever had a sound card go out on them? How long do these usually last? How can you trouble shoot no sound on a computer?

Even if I wanted to buy one, I wouldn't know which one to get. I have an HP desktop that is about 3-4 years old. Any help would be great!

**White5.0** · 03-07-2011, 02:14 AM

i doubt the sound card itself went bad. you possibly have a problem with the sound driver (a driver is the software that tells your computer how to use a certain piece of hardware, such as the sound card)

try doing this: Start Menu -> control panel -> system -> device manager... then go down to where it says "Sound, video and game controllers" and expand it. if there is something wrong with your sound driver and your computer knows it is malfunctioning, there will be a little exclamation point or something similar next to the driver.

click on your audio driver to highlight it and then on the top menu bar: Action -> update driver software to try to update it.

if that doesnt work you can highlight the audio driver and then Action -> uninstall to remove the driver, BUT first google the name of your driver to make sure you can download it again to re-install it (or you can re-install it using the "drivers" disc that comes with your PC when its new, but you said it was older so you might have lost the discs).

**KeystoneJohnny** · 03-07-2011, 03:22 AM

This is a perfect answer to your question and I agree. I have never saw a sound card go bad. I'm not saying it's possible but highly unlikely. Also, if you are looking to upgrade your sound card provided it's doesn't have onboard audio, you will need to decide how much of a card you need. (ie., game, just listen to music, compose etc.)

**John4cam** · 03-07-2011, 07:45 AM

thanks guys. I looked through the control panel and can't find any issues or anything that looks out of the ordinary. My audio controls say workiing properly..

Mabey something else???

**Mitternacht** · 03-07-2011, 08:05 AM

I'd try reinstalling the drivers for it; pull the newest driver's from your PC manufacturer's website and see if that helps.

**White5.0** · 03-07-2011, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by John4cam

thanks guys. I looked through the control panel and can't find any issues or anything that looks out of the ordinary. My audio controls say workiing properly..

Mabey something else???

although it may say its working properly, i'd still try to uninstall and re-install the driver

also try Control Panel -> Sound then chose your sound driver then click Properties. After that chose the tab at the top that says Levels and make sure its not on Mute in that area

and make sure its not on mute on the toolbar at the bottom right, sometimes peope forget to check this:

screenshot.jpg

**White5.0** · 03-07-2011, 10:51 AM

btw, im doing this all in windows 7 so if you are using an older version of windows it might be a little different to get to all the areas im telling you to go, but im sure you can figure it out

**John4cam** · 03-10-2011, 06:44 AM

what do you guys think about driver whiz? It scans all drivers to see which one is missing, corrupt, or obsolete...

I just know basics about computers...well that might even be a stretch, Lol. Might just have to take it somewhere.