Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
If the Mute option is selected in your sound mixer, you won't hear anything. Depend-
ing 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 au-
dio 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.
•Turnoffyourcomputerfor1minuteandthenturnitbackon.Ahardreset(asopposed
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 re-
quire Sound Blaster compatibility that modern versions of Windows no longer sup-
port. Refer to the section earlier in this chapter titled “
Legacy Audio Support Through
•Ifyou'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 con-
nect the appropriate power lead to assure that the card will operate.
Volume Is Low
If you can barely hear your sound, try these solutions:
•Arethespeakerspluggedintotheproperjack?Speakersrequireahigherlevelofdrive
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.
Some Speakers Don't Play
If you can hear sound coming from some speakers, but not others, check the following:
