Solved Front Audio Jacks Don't Work; Realtek Issues

[RylanC23]

The Specifications

Computer type: PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number: Custom Build
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU: i7-5820K
Motherboard: X99-A
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 2x8GB DDR4
Graphics Card(s): Either GTX 970 STRIX or GT640
Monitor(s) Displays: BenQ GL2250H
Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Hard Drives: A WD10EZRX that is still trying to tell me it has 1TB of memory. Yeah yeah...
PSU: Corsair CS450M
Internet Speed: Optimistic

(Please tell me if you need anything else on this front!)


The Issue

So I'm finally finishing up on installing a load of new components, and the last pressing issue seems to be that, for some reason, my audio jacks do not work. Both the front and back ports do not register my headphones or my speakers. Neither of these are defective, and I've tried them in a friend's laptop to verify this. I tried reinstalling both my NVIDIA Audio Drivers as well as the Realtek ones that came with the motherboard. NVIDIA reinstalled fine, but Realtek comes up with errors during the install (such as 0x000000FF) but 'completes' regardless. That is to say, when I restart it can be found and uninstalled via Control Panel, but it can't be found in device manager. I'm pretty sure that's the culpit, but I've no idea how to deal with the issue.

Side Note: Due to the issues laid out in this thread, I am working on backdated NVIDIA drivers. I don't think that's the issue, but if they are, updating them (at least, to their latest version) might be a bad idea.

 

[fireberd]

The audio jacks don't work, obviously because the sound driver is not installing.
Does the Windows installed "High Definition Audio driver" install? (instead of the regular hardware Realtek) If that is not installing there would seem to be a hardware problem or that the sound is disabled in the BIOS.

Another remote possibility is that you are using the HDMI port, which in that case Windows automatically switches to the HDMI for audio. The regular sound should still install, but this is one remote possibility.

The last possibility is a hardware problem on the motherboard.

 

[RylanC23]

Yes, that standard "High Definition Audio driver" does install. I do use HDMI ports for my monitor, and the sound I'm currently using comes from there.

 

[fireberd]

If the High Definition Audio Driver installs, then the PC sound ports should work, however, you have to manually change the Default Audio Playback device to "Speakers". Go to the Control Panel/Hardware and Sound and finally Sound/Playback Panel.

Why the Realtek drivers do not install?? Download the correct Win 7 driver from ASUS for your motherboard and try that one, if its not what you are using.

 

[RylanC23]

I went to the Playback panel, here's a screencap.
This, despite the fact that the HD Audio lead is plugged into my AAFP slot, internally (I'm assuming that's correct; it worked on my old motherboard). Eh?

I tried downloading the latest Windows 7 audio drivers for this motherboard, and I got the same issue as before. Though again, the installation did complete.

 

[fireberd]

The PC audio is not being shown, in the Sound Panel.
The front panel "HD Audio" connector (if you have HD Audio, if not use AC97) is plugged into the audio jack, usually located on the bottom, left side of motherboards. However, it being plugged in should not prevent it from installing and being available.

What is shown in the Device Manager, Sound, Video and Game Controllers section? Please post a screenshot.
Here is how to post on this forum. You don't need to host it somewhere else.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

 

[RylanC23]

Here's the screenshot you were asking for.

 

[fireberd]

Reinstall the Intel motherboard chipset drivers and then try the Realtek again. If it still does not install, this suggests there is a hardware problem on the motherboard.

 

[RylanC23]

Yeah, it seems like it must be a hardware issue then. Looks like I'm buying a pci sound card!

Thank you for your help and time, it's really very much appreciated!