Laptop Audio Only Works on Startup

[JonRB]

Hello,

I've had this audio card problem for a long time - Something I've always wanted to fix but never really succeeded.

On startup, the windows Startup sound is always played. Following that, no sound is made by the computer (Except occasionally - Such as pressing 'volume up'). The mixer displays correctly and is set to the appropriate sound output.

I have tried:

• Checking the physical connections
• Restoring default service settings
• Restarting services
• Changing the default sound cards
• Disabling/enabling audio enhancements
• Scanning for malware/viruses
• Updating/Removing drivers (No option was given for rolling back)
• Running the windows troubleshooter (lol)

I have downloaded the latest Realtek HD Audio wizard and the first time it ran it failed. Every other time I have run it since, it has given the message "No Driver was supported in this driver package".

In case it wasn't clear from the fact I'm posting about this, I am yet to find a guide that solves my problem - Indeed I am yet to find one that even has the same symptoms as mine.

 

[fireberd]

Uninstall any sound driver(s) then reboot the PC and let Windows install the generic, basic function, High Definition Audio Driver. Then check the Sound Panel Playback to ensure the "Speakers" are set as the default audio playback device.

See if that gets you sound, as a start.

If that works then you can install the correct sound hardware driver as listed by Cyberpower for your specific model.

 

[JonRB]

Uninstall any sound driver(s) then reboot the PC and let Windows install the generic, basic function, High Definition Audio Driver. Then check the Sound Panel Playback to ensure the "Speakers" are set as the default audio playback device.

See if that gets you sound, as a start.

If that works then you can install the correct sound hardware driver as listed by Cyberpower for your specific model.

Hello!

Thank you for your advice. I followed your first instructions - Once re-installation of the drivers completed successfully I opened an MP3 file with Windows Media Player. The song played for the first ~7 seconds before the sound cut out (As it has in the past, when I reinstall drivers).

I have nevertheless downloaded the AC'97 drivers from Realtek (I tried different ones last time to no avail - I checked the nearest thing to specs I have for this computer and it mentioned AC 97) - The installer ran and closed without any message. Cyberpower's support section provides a link to Realtek's website rather than their own download.

 

[fireberd]

I don't think the AC97 is the correct driver, if you have Realtek. The High Definition Codec driver would be the most appropriate. However, as it does not work properly with the High Definition Drivers, I would use those until the problem is resolved.

Do you have anything plugged into the HDMI port? If you do remove the cable. A cable plugged into the HDMI port and Windows will automatically switch the sound from the Speakers to the HDMI.

 

[JonRB]

Nope, nothing is connected to the HDMI port - I've also tried disabling it (And the headphones).
If I try and play music, the green bar graph next to Speakers fills up appropriately.

 

[fireberd]

You are not going to like what I suggest. A reinstallation. I've seen similar problems and unfortunately a reinstall was required to fix them. This is not to say I will guarantee it will fix yours, just that this may be the option.

 

[JonRB]

I assume you mean a reinstallation of Windows?
My laptop did come with an installer CD so I may try that when I get home in a few months, however I would rather it be a last resort. That would probably fix some of the other issues (Windows Update doesn't run, for example - Microsoft support were unhelpful)

For what it's worth, plugging in headphones seems to play audio just fine.

 

[fireberd]

Oh, so it works OK with headphones. The headphone jack may be the issue. Many headphone jacks have an extra contact that tells the PC when a headphone is connected. If yours has this, it may be the problem. Others, the sound chip detects when a headphone is plugged in and I don't think there is an extra contact on that type.

But, as it all works for a few seconds and then cuts off, it sounds like something to do with the headphone jack.

 

[thelma]

Very sorry for bumping in here, but call me Desperate :banghead:

Same problem as mine, works fine with headphones plugged in, so headphone jack issue. My speakers, when I test them give a very week sound ( with volume on full )