Unable to change default audio playback device

[16hills]

I have speakers and a headset set up and previously i was able to switch between which device the audio played out with no problem. However, when i click set default audio device nothing happens. The button is still bold and when i test the device sound still comes out. I have reinstalled their respective drivers. I have reinstalled my sound card drivers.

 

[fireberd]

What model PC?

But, generally if you have the speakers set as default playback device and the plug in a headset it will automatically switch to the headset, unplug the headset and it will revert to the speakers.

For the front panel headset/mic jack, is the cable that's connected to the motherboard labeled "HD Audio"? or is it the older "AC97". Some sound system control panels have a setup for whichever you have (the HD Audio is the preferred connector).

 

[16hills]

There is no model #

plugging in the headset is not successful.

I am actually not using a front panel to connect my speakers. My front panel is broken so i am using a usb-audio adaptor.
I also have a Tv connected which is another source of audio that i can test and works fine but will not let me set to default

 

[fireberd]

Is the USB device correctly recognized by Windows? When you use that you are not using the PC's audio. If you are using HDMI then the HDMI is the default audio playback device. The USB device would have to manually be set as the default playback device.

Suggest you try reinstalling the USB device. Uninstall it in the Device Manager, then disconnect it from the PC, restart Windows. After Windows starts connect it and if Windows reinstalls it try to set it as the default playback device.