Error Messages when Speakers/Headphones Are Not Connect

Sorry about the length of my post but I wanted to make sure that is was sufficiently detailed so that someone would be able to help me:

I am having a rather strange issue which, although is not hindering the use of my computer, is still something that I would like to try and resolve. I purchased a Dell Inspiron 545 about a month ago (first week of Oct. 09). Given that Windows 7 wasn't available at that time to the general public, my new computer came with Vista Home Premium. My computer does not currently have an aftermarket sound card; I only have the OEM one that came with the computer. Also, I currently do not have any speakers or any other external audio devices that are currently hooked up to my computer. While I was using Vista I never had any problems or warning prompts appear when using audio programs like iTunes even though I didn't have any external audio devices connected to my computer. No problem there.

When I received my copy of Windows 7 Pro I decided to do a clean install on my computer. After installing 7 I went through and manually installed all of the audio drivers that were on my computer when I received it from Dell (note: although the audio drivers were the same the re-installed ones were the updated versions designed for Win 7). I didn't use the driver disk that came with my computer though, because of the hassle of using those disks. Instead I manually downloaded the drivers that I needed from the Dell support page.

After re-installing all of the drivers, updates, and programs on Win 7 I noticed the following: every time that I opened an audio program like iTunes I would receive a warning prompt claiming that "iTunes has discovered a problem with your audio configuration; audio may not operate properly". Furthermore, I have a Sony voice recorder that I use for school and the program for the recorder gives a similar error message claiming that "the file cannot be played back; check your audio drivers or operating system". In addition, this error message prevents me from editing any of the voice files I have saved on my computer.

But the strange thing is that all of these error messages disappear when I plug in my headphones. The messages go away, I am allowed to edit my voice files, and the sound works great.

As I said above, the audio drivers I currently have installed are identical to those that originally came with my computer. Given that I had never received similar error messages when not having speakers or headphones hooked up to any of my past computers or to my current computer before I installed Windows 7, I am assuming that the operating system is the culprit.

Has anyone else experienced this problem and if so, do you know how to fix it?

Hi there and welcome to Win7 forums.

My search says that the on-board audio card is Realtek's ALC888.
So, that done, do directly to Realtek's webpage and download THEIR audio drivers for Windows 7. That done, uninstall the current driver and re-install the one from Realtek's webpage.

Keep us informed.

While attempting to update one of my programs I received an error message claiming that I do not have a sound board installed on my computer. So your suggestion Lebon14 seems to be right. I am downloading the driver from Realtek's website right, although the website is a little confusing so I hope that I am downloading the right one. Also, if the sound board is not installed properly how could the sound work when I have my headphones plugged in?