Solved Headphone test OK but no sound

[OldLou06488]

I used Dell Laptop, Windows 7 64 bit every day.
I am 83 and like a bigger screen with better color.
My normal hookup is HDMI out from my laptop and in to 19" Vizio
I never got audio through HDMI out.
I used headphones, stereo from the #1 stereo jack, audio OK
For 3 or 4 months I bought Sonawave USB Stereo clip on speaker, great.
When I get up early AM, between 4 and 5, I switch to headphone not to disturb wife
Yesterday I could not hear any audio from headphones.
I do get audio for USB
Corrective action tried and failed
Verified default setting via Control Panel and test
Audio displayed but not heard on headphone
Audio displayed and heard on the USB Sonawave
Today I used Norton 360 to check register.
It cleaned some problems but still no headphone sound
I plugged same headset into my Vizio HDTV and sound is working
Any suggestions, I am more of a user than a tech.
Thank you

 

[Saurabh A]

Hi OldLou06488,

If I understand correctly, you are experiencing two issues with 'Audio Playback':

Issue 1

My normal hookup is HDMI out from my laptop and in to 19" Vizio
I never got audio through HDMI out.

Issue 2: Not Getting Audio playback with 'Headphones and USB Speakers' (Was functional before)

I used headphones, stereo from the #1 stereo jack, audio OK
For 3 or 4 months I bought Sonawave USB Stereo clip on speaker, great.
When I get up early AM, between 4 and 5, I switch to headphone not to disturb wife
Yesterday I could not hear any audio from headphones.
I do get audio for USB

You may find the steps listed below helpful:

1. Since you are experiencing audio issues with multiple 'audio devices' (Headphones, Speakers, USB, etc), it is unlikely that the power and volume settings on the 'devices' could be the root cause. Please check the 'Volume settings' in 'Windows' to ensure that it is properly configured.

- Open 'Volume Mixer' by clicking the 'Start icon' > 'Control Panel' > 'Hardware and Sound' > Underneath 'Sound', click 'Adjust system volume' > Move the slider upwards to increase the 'volume'.
- Also ensure that the 'Mute button' isn't turned on. If yes, click it to 'turn off muting'.

2. Configure the 'Sound Settings' on the notebook:
- Use key combination '<Fn><Page Up>' to increases the 'volume' of 'integrated speakers and external speakers', if attached.
- Key Combination <Fn><End> is used to 'Enable/disable' the 'integrated speakers and external speakers'. Please tap them to verify if the 'laptop sound' is disabled.

3. If the issue persists, open 'Device Manager' to check if the 'Audio Drivers' are in a 'healthy state'; and try re-installing them:
- Click 'Start' > Type 'devmgmt.msc' (without quotations) in 'Search box > Tap 'Enter' > Locate and Expand 'Sound, Video & Game Controllers' category > Check any listed device has a mark (exclamation or question mark) besides it > If yes, capture & share the details.

- Inspiron 1525 is built with 'Sigmatel stac9228x' audio. It is tested to work with 'Windows XP & Vista'; therefore 'Windows 7' compatible drivers for its 'devices' are not listed on 'Dell Support Website'. However, it is likely that Vista tested drivers may also work. Try re-installing the 'audio drivers' and check results.

- To re-install, Open 'Deive Manager' > Right click the 'Sigmatel related driver' under 'Sound, Audio & Game Controllers' category > 'Un-install' it > Follow through to complete the un-install process > Restart the system and try installing the following 'audio driver' in 'Vista compatibility mode': Driver Details | Dell India (Please refer to the tutorial for assistance on installing drivers in compatibility mode: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/98073-drivers-install-vista-drivers-windows-7-a.html)

Hope this helps. Once the notebook sound gets working, will try to get the 'LCD audio' through 'HDMI' working as well.
Do reply with the findings;

 

[OldLou06488]

Thank you

Thank you Saurabh A. Headphone and speakers audio fixed.

 

[Saurabh A]

Hi OldLou06488,

Glad that the 'audio' is restored; thank you for confirming.
Would like to know if the 'audio drivers' were bad or the sound was 'disabled' in the Notebook/Windows.

 

[OldLou06488]

Undefined Fix

I did not replace any driver. All the volume sliders seemed OK. As I clicked above sliders and returned to test the sound, it was there, both system sound and headphone sound.

 

[Saurabh A]

Hi OldLou06488,

Thank you for the response.

The audio drivers were in good shape. It appears that the notebook sound was disabled. Glad, its up & running.
Do reply if you need any further assistance; glad to help.