HDTV audio device disabled, then vanished

I've been streaming from my Acer Aspire laptop to an LG HDTV for a couple years. No problems with either video or audio. Once I plug an HDMI cord from the laptop to the TV, the laptop sound output defaults to the TV speakers after the laptop makes a two-note sound indicating connection. Three nights ago, after done streaming, pulled the cord from the laptop, and didn't hear the sound. Using the laptop, no sound was issued from the laptop, so checked the speaker default through the speaker icon in the tray. It was still defaulting to the TV speakers. Should have just restarted the laptop right here.

Instead, right-clicked the TV speaker icon, chose Disable Device (thinking this is temporary), and the sound output defaulted back to the laptop's RealTek speakers. However, Disable Device equated to Delete Device as the laptop no longer defaults to the TV speakers through the HDMI connection, and the TV device no longer shows up as available in either Speaker Properties or the Device Manager.

How is this device/connection restored? Thanks in advance for any help. Daniel.

Fireberd,

Thanks for the reply. First, I've never done a system restore as I don't go recklessly surfing and also have Spybot up to date.

Second, I apologize in advance because when I first hit this forum, I did see the link to finding complete system specs and (oops) ignored it. How complete do the specs need to be? Not sure of the bit count on W7, but processor is Core I5, Aspire model is 5750, 4GB/500GB.

Now, call me naïve, but it just doesn't seem like this problem should be so vexing. Disable doesn't mean Delete, so that audio device must still be on my computer just waiting to be Enabled, no?

Again, thank you. Daniel.

Fireberd,

After replying, saw link to system specs and did some checking. OS is W7 Home Premium, 64 bit, SP1. If more is necessary, let me know. Thanks again.

Carwiz,

First, thanks for your time. Second, I was really excited when I read your post. I'd been to that window, but it hadn't occurred to just right-click within the empty part of the window. Did so, and your screenshot is replicated.

That said, the HDTV device didn't reappear. At first. Dawned on me that since the laptop was on lap and not connected to the computer, the device wasn't available. Connected to the TV, and sure enough your advice was perfect. Audio restored. Really, really appreciate your time and knowledge. Seeing that others have looked at my post, hope you helped a lot of people.

Finally, in my opinion, you rock. Cheers. Daniel.