Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
• Are the speakers connected? Check that the speakers are plugged in to the sound card's stereo
line out or speaker jack (not the line in or microphone jack).
• Are the speakers receiving power? Check that the power “brick” or power cord is plugged in
securely and that the speakers are turned on.
• Are the speakers stereo? Check that the plug inserted into the jack is a stereo plug, not mono.
• Are the mixer settings correct? The mixer controls the volume settings for various sound
devices, such as the microphone or the CD player. There might be separate controls for both
recording and playback. Increase the master volume or speaker volume when you are in the play
mode. With some audio hardware, you might need to use a proprietary mixer program (typically
installed as part of the sound card or integrated audio setup) to have complete control of
speakers, headphones, and microphones.
If the Mute option is selected in your sound mixer, you won't hear anything. Depending on the
speaker type and sound source type, you might need to switch from analog to digital sound for
some types of sound output. Make sure that the correct digital audio volume controls are
enabled in your audio device's mixer control.
• Use any setup or diagnostic software provided with your audio hardware or integrated sound to
test and adjust the volume of the adapter. Such software usually includes sample sounds used to
test the adapter.
• Turn off your computer for 1 minute and then turn it back on. A hard reset (as opposed to
pressing the Reset button or pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete) might clear the problem.
• If your computer game lacks sound, check that it is designed to work with your audio adapter.
For example, some legacy (DOS-based) and early Windows games might require Sound Blaster
compatibility that modern versions of Windows no longer support. Refer to the section earlier
in this chapter titled “ Legacy Audio Support Through Virtualization .
• If you're using motherboard-integrated audio, make sure the onboard audio is enabled (check
the BIOS setup program) and that the proper drivers and player program have been installed
(check the Windows Control Panel).
• If you're using motherboard-integrated audio that employs a removable header cable (such as
with some SPDIF optical or four/six-channel analog speaker configurations), make sure the
header cable is properly connected to the motherboard.
• Note that a few high-end cards have a connector for additional power; be sure to connect the
appropriate power lead to ensure that the card will operate.
Volume Is Low
If you can barely hear your sound, try these solutions:
• Are the speakers plugged into the proper jack? Speakers require a higher level of drive signal
than headphones. Again, adjust the volume level in your mixer application.
• Are the mixer settings too low? Again, adjust the volume level in your mixer.
• Is the initial volume too low? If your audio adapter has an external volume control, check to
ensure that it is not turned down too low.
• Are the speakers too weak? Some speakers might need more power than your audio adapter can
produce. Try other speakers, or put a stereo amplifier between your sound card and speakers.
 
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