Windows 7 - Strange problem with audio playback devices. Headphones not showing up

Can someone help me solve this enigma? Can't find answers anywhere...

So I've installed Adobe Audition on my brand new Asus K53E. When I try to record, I can't select my headphones as the default audio playback. So I go and try to do it in the control panel. But the headphones/headphone jack simpy isn't listed in the devices in control panel, or anywhere.

The thing is, the headphones work fine in the jack. A message alerts me when I've plugged or unplugged anything into the jack (I only have one headphone jack on my Asus K53E). I use the headphones when I watch movies on this machine and everything is cool, but if they won't register under playback devices, then I can't set them as a preference in Audition, and therefore can't use the program (headphones being vital to record, unless you want to end up with feedback loops..)

I tried "show disabled devices", no luck. I fiddled around in the Realtek HD audio manager, but none of the settings there seem to do anything either. I downloaded the latest driver from realtek, but it won't install. I've tried "rolling back" updates and then re-updating, still nothing. Would this be a driver problem or am I simply missing something in the settings? Would USB headphones be seperate to the soundcard? Would they work?

Truth be told, I really don't know a whole lot about computers but I'm trying my best to get this sorted through exploring the settings and trial and error. If I'm doing something blatantly obvious, I wouldn't rule that out entirely, lol. It's very frustrating as it's a brand new laptop.
Anyone who could help me, I would be SO grateful. I just want to record music! I find it really frustrating that this is a brand new computer and it can't perform this basic function of recognising the jack as an output. Never had this problem on my old shitty computer that my dad built me in 2005 (rip).

Okay thanks dudes, please please help.

Brooke.



Some screen caps are now added. Device manager, audio playback devices and Realtek Audio Manager. PLEASE take a look, I really need to fix this issue. Surely someone on here can help me?