Speaker Problem- Please help!

So, I feel really dumb having to ask this, but I am basically computer illiterate. I can use the basics, but when it comes to a problem, forget it. So my problem is this: My speakers will not work. They worked fine last night, but today, I turned on the computer and, TADA!, no sound. All of the wires seem to be connected just fine, and I've never known speakers to just take a shit overnight, so I'm wondering if it could possibly be a computer issue. Any thoughts?

 

This could be your settings, sound card, speakers, or even your mainboard. Check 'em all.

 

There's usually a volume item in the system tray at the bottom of the screen. Check to see if the mute is on. My pc has a mute hot button on the keyboard. I accidentally hit it from time to time. Some speakers have batteries in them or an ac adapter. Maybe the problem is bad batteries or the adapter cable being pulled out.

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Hey there: Are you running Windows or Linux? Had the same prob a day or two ago. Went into my mixer program and somehow it went into a default mode. It had muted a couple of items somehow. I unmuted it and checked everything and then it was working like a charm. I am running Ubuntu Linux. But it should work the same way in Windows.

Peace, Cricket

 

either the volume is down or muted - right click the speaker icon BRH corner of the screen

 

There are too many possibilities and I simply can't be bothered suggesting anything. Good job everyone who has replied knows what they're on about.

 

Thanks to those who responded (with actual answers). I checked the volume. Duh, that should have been one of the first things I did. But I don't have to feel like too much of an idiot, because that wasn't the problem. Still can't figure it out. Cricket, I am running windows. Perhaps you're right and it's a mixer prob, but I don't know how to adjust that. I checked all of the cables and they seem to be plugged in fine. so, I'm totally at a loss. I'm telling ya, I'm so slow technologically that I'm practically amish. But please don't give up on me. I have to get them working!!!! All of my music is on my computer, and I'm having serious withdrawal!

 

You can try the Windows help and support feature. It's usually in the startup or program list. It gives some details about checking all the mixers and making sure the mute boxes are unchecked. Start with the 'troubleshoot a problem' box. It will lead you through some options.

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From Windows help:

Fixing sound problems

Try the following tasks in order until you can hear sound from the speakers. These tasks can fix a wide variety of problems with sound from your PC. Click the Print button to print a copy of this topic for reference while working through the tasks.

Note: These steps pertain to the original sound devices that came installed on your PC. If you purchased and added a new sound card, consult the sound card vendor’s Web site for support information and driver updates.

Verify the connections:

Unplug the sound cables.

Plug the headphones (or different speakers) directly into the speaker out connector on the back or front of the PC. The speaker out connector may have a symbol of a speaker or a circle with an arrow pointing out, or “OUT” may be the label for the connector.

Test for sound using the PC.

If sound does not work, try the next task.

If sound works when the headphones or other speakers are plugged in, replace the original sound cables with new sound cables and test for sound. If sound does not come back after replacing the cables, the speakers probably need to be replaced.

Check volume and mute settings:

Click Start in the taskbar, and then click Control Panel.

Click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices and then click Sound and Audio Devices.

Click the Advanced button under Device Volume.

Remove all the check marks from Mute boxes at the bottom of the Master Volume window and adjust all the volume setting slide bars to a high position.

Close the Master Volume window and test for sound. If there is still no sound, try the next task.

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If you have some headphones, try them instead of the speakers.

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