3.5mm audio on my U31SD laptop seems broke.

My 3.5mm headphone jack on my Asus U31SD laptop used to work, but does no longer, I've installed fresh windows 7 pro (unrelated to headphone issue really, but I did not notice the headphone issue prior to OS-install) and I have tried multiple drivers.

When I install proper realtek drivers, instead of the generic windows audio drivers, I get the notification that "You just plugged a device into the audio jack.", but the plugged-in device is not reachable anywhere -- not in windows audio control, device manager or realtek HD audio manager. However, my headphones are fine because when I plug them into my USB-mic (which in turn is connected to laptop) I do get proper audio.

It seems pretty obvious that the jack is broke. It's just that it's come as a complete surprise, and it aligned so perfectly with the new OS-install that it annoys me, though I'm sure it's coincidental. Also I can't think of anything that has broke it, a random tug of the cable might have been enough I suppose.

I just thought I'd do a last check here to see if anyone can think of anything else that might be wrong, before I replace the jack, or something..


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I'm glad I mess up alot when I'm doing windows/linux multiboot setups because with fresh windows 7, yet again.. the issue was suddenly fixed!

Installed latest realtek drivers and didn't really think anything about it. But wandering eyes noticed the headphones and I started thinking.. and hey, it works.. what a moron I am.

I don't really remember if I did, or did not do this, but my issue may have stemmed from bad drivers which I simply did not remove properly before installing new ones. Just glad I messed up my partitions before I messed with hardware.

Case closed!

With the notification, that says the extra "sensing" contact is stuck in the wrong position (not sure if its open when you plug in a headphone or if it closes). Try plugging in a headphone or whatever you have with the 1/8" (3.5mm) plug and wiggle it around and then remove it to see if it helps. If not, it looks like the jack will have to be replaced, as generally they are an enclosed jack and not repairable. But if you are lucky you may find an open jack and be able to fix it.

Sounds like the USB Mic took over all sound duties?

What USB mic is that, sounds like more than just a mic.