Sound error "no audio output device is installed"

[fergus longley]

Recently when I was trying to enable my sound card so I could make YouTube videos, I managed to somehow break my sound. I have a windows 7 64bit computer that runs realtek hd audio and nvidia hd audio. I have tried reinstalling windows and that does not work, as it comes up with an error message "upgrade failed, restart and then select updates when prompted" no mater how many times I do this It does not work. Please help!

 

[fireberd]

Reinstalling Windows probably is not the answer. The sound device (RealTek) is apparently the problem.

Without knowing what you did to "enable my sound card" we can't really say what is needed to make it work again.
Filling out the My System Specs will also help someone to try and help you.

What is the status of the RealTek in the Device Manager? Is it listed and does it show an error code or working OK?

 

[fergus longley]

When I was trying to enable my sound card (which didn't work) I right clicked in recording (control panel>sounds>recording) and clicked show disabled devices to find my sound card. The realtek device manager appears to be working find, when I run the fix it sound helper it finds that it is muted and quiet, how ever it cannot fix this for an unknown reason. My only concern with realtek is that the volume sliders seem to be permanently down, and the will revert back when ever I change them.

There is no error code in the device manager

 

[fireberd]

Reinstall the RealTek sound drivers, from ASUS and see if that helps. Always use the PC or Motherboard vendor's sound driver if possible. Non-Vendor sound drivers (even ones directly from RealTek) may not work or work correctly.

ASUS drivers downloads: http://uk.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3Plus/M5A78LM_LX_V2/#download

 

[fergus longley]

Sorry I installed both versions and it appeared to not help, do you think I should contact my computer provider, and ask for the driver for my sound card? Thanks for your continuous help btw.

 

[fergus longley]

Also here is the error that appears when I troubleshoot my volume

Playing Audio Publisher details

Issues found
Audio device is disabledAudio device is disabled
The audio device you selected is currently turned off in Windows. Not fixed
Enable the audio device Completed

Potential issues that were checked
Check audio deviceCheck audio device
There might be a problem with your audio device. Issue not present
One or more audio service isn't runningOne or more audio service isn't running
Both the Windows Audio and the Windows Audio End Point Builder services must be running for audio to work correctly. Atleast one of these services isn't running. Issue not present

Issues found Detection details

6 Audio device is disabled Not fixed

The audio device you selected is currently turned off in Windows.
Enable the audio device Completed

Enable the selected audio device to play or record sound.


Potential issues that were checked Detection details

Check audio device Issue not present

There might be a problem with your audio device.

One or more audio service isn't running Issue not present

Both the Windows Audio and the Windows Audio End Point Builder services must be running for audio to work correctly. Atleast one of these services isn't running.


Detection details

Audio endpoint
Type of audio device being diagnosed.
Endpoint: Speakers
Headphones
Headset Earphone

Installed audio devices
This file contains the details stored in the registry for all installed audio devices.
File Name: Registry log.reg

Collection information
Computer Name: FERGUSCOMPUTER
Windows Version: 6.1
Architecture: amd64
Time: Sunday, August 05, 2012 4:47:38 PM

 

[fireberd]

In the Device Manager, RIGHT click on the entry for the RealTek and one of the options in the drop down menu will be disable (if its enabled) and enable (if its disabled). Check that. If it says its enabled then click to Uninstall the RealTek (DO NOT check the box to uninstall the drivers). Then restart the PC and when Windows starts it should detect and reinstall the sound.

 

[fergus longley]

I have tried that and it was enabled, and I have tried re-stacking the driver like you said a couple of times, but I have had no luck so far. thanks, Fergus

 

[fireberd]

ASUS lists a chipset driver in their downloads, Install those and see what happens. I'm not sure what all they do in an AMD system but in an Intel system the chipset drivers setup/define all the devices, and the sound will not install if the chipset drivers were not installed.

If that doesn't help you are down to to things, a potential hardware problem or a complete (clean) install of everything.