dell xps8300 realtek digital output suddenly stopped working

I was using my computer normally, not even listening to music or had any sound on, and suddenly heard some crackling noises and since then the sound has not worked. Was just browsing the internet, nothing hard on the computer at the time.

have looked at many other threads for solution, but couldn't find one that worked for me unfortunately.
(speakers are plugged in, work fine with other audio devices, and are on)

running win7 x64 on a dell xps8300
driver version: 6.0.1.6141
directx 11.0

I believe there is a problem with the internal sound processor on the motherboard since I am able to hear sound with headphones via the front headphone jack.

• I have re-installed drivers for it/rebooted, with no luck.
• Not sure why, but on the sound options (attached pic) it set my realtek digital output as my default communications device, and when i set it to the default device, I couldn't hear sound from the front headphone jack.
• In the realtek hd audio manager, it shows that something is plugged into the back panel, but like I said, no sound will play.
• Tried disabling front jack detection, but nothing changed

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Another one for the "duh" category. Speakers were on, but was running through the sub which was turned off. Stupid women touching a man's computer.