Windows 7: 5.1 Sound Realtek HD Audio (5.1 works in settings, but not outside)

Hi 7foums!

A lot of people seem to have this problem, however no [solved] posts seemed to fix the problem.
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Specs & Set up:
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate x64
Motherboard: ASUS M5A99X EVO R2.0
Driver: Realtek HD R2.71 (Driver version: 6.0.1.6873)

In order to achieve 5.1 sound, I have the rear speakers connected to rear speaker out (black), center/sub to center/sub out (yellow) and then the front speakers to Front speaker out (green), and none connected to side speaker out.
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To the problem:

The surround sound works perfectly when testing with 5.1 in the Realtek HD audio manager, and also in the Sound configuration. However 5.1 doesnt work anywhere else, VLC, system sounds etc, instead the sound comes from the front speakers only. I've tried every setting in VLC, but since the 5.1 doesnt work anywhere outside of configuration I assume that the problem lies somewhere else.

The settings are set to 5.1 and through speakers are placed as default, all chords are connected, and as I wrote, the sound works perfectly when testing in settings.

Does anyone have any idea what the problem is?

Tomorrow I'm going to try and rollback the drivers, but if anyone else has an idea for what I can do, please give tips. Might it be a windows 7 update issue?

For what its worth, I don't see "Speaker fill" option when I go into Settings > Sound > Speaker Properties > Enhancements, this has been listed as a solution for this problem, but I can't find it.

Sorry for the disjointed descriptions and I hope that my predicament is comprehensible, my only excuse is that I'm incredibly tired.

Tsuun,

Are you using VLC for a specific reason? If everything works with your system check then it would seem you have a codec conflict. VLC is very good, and uses it's own codecs, but if you can play it without it then I would.

Is this a movie or audio file you are trying to play that does not work?

I ask because if you have working sound within windows, you can add codecs to continue using your default sound. I have used shark007 codec pack without any problems, plays all video and music files with not issue.

Shark Codec

I have been using Shark for years. No problems. Just have to watch out when you install for the toolbar BS.

Thanks for adding that Gary, I always forget to mention that!