I Need Help Fixing... :d

[imiubu]

Well, let's get this started then!

 

I'm no where near knowing even a pin pricks amount of knowledge

about computers, just so ya know!

 

I bought my pc Jan., 2010. I recently shut off my Media Player, then

the next day when I went to view a video, I had NO audio, NONE!

Audio/Video is the main reason I bought a new machine... go figure!

 

I've been to help forums, MFR live chat, talked live w/techs, did a total

system (factory?) recovery, twice.

I've taken it in to "the geek squad" and he checked all the things that

I'd already checked. Now they want big bucks to just bring this sucker

in for a look see. I have no virus's and almost all of my RAM is still

available

Possibly my sound driver or sound card? If so... how do I check it?

HELP!

Thanks in advance

[MightyMightyMezz]

I would probably just get a semi-decent outboard soundcard with firewire or usb. You could probably get something for under $100 that sounds better than the stock card and sometimes it's not worth the aggravation.

[Dman]

If it was the driver I'm sure they would have found that problem at geek squad. Can you plug in head phones and hear anything? Is the Sound card not integrated into the mother board? meaning its a separate card the plugs into the mother board? There are many things to try before dumping more cash into it. What operating system does it have?

[Lindy]

Is your machine always on? It might be that the driver crashed. Try rebooting and see if that does anything. I'm assuming your using Windows eh? Even the latest greatest version of the popular OS from Redmond needs to be rebooted every now and then. Also check to see if there's a driver update for your sound card (check your manufactures website).

[+Silverblue]

check the audio settings, might be muted, go into the audio program. I'd be surprised the geek squad didn't find the problem. They ain't cheap to deal with, are they, only to find nothing. Every computer has some kinda diagnostic program for all its functions, including fixing audio problems. I'm no techie, but this much I know. Check the device manager. The techies should've done all that, that might be the 1st thing they would've done.. Hmmmm... I hope you get it fixed.

 

Sb

[TajMahal]

"I recently shut off my Media Player"

 

You closed the Windows media Player program?

 

Software problems should have been dealt with the factory recovery procedure unless the drivers are loaded separately, is there disc labeled drivers, motherboard, or something like that?

 

Would not hurt to check the sound settings in the volume control, and the mixer if there is one

 

After software problems have been fixed, (reinstalled) the next place to look would be in Device manager. Click Start / control panel / device manager (double click)....Look to see the entry for sound...any yellow exclamation points?...click the + sign beside the sound entry....any entry for a sound device?

 

Next would be a visit to the BIOS to see if the sound card or built in sound chip is not disabled in any way.

 

If these steps have been done and check OK, then probably a hardware failure.

 

I find fixes quite often using Google. Enter the brand and model number....eg..."No audio Dell Inspiron"

 

 

Let us know!!!

 

 

 

 

Well, let's get this started then!

 

I'm no where near knowing even a pin pricks amount of knowledge

about computers, just so ya know!

 

I bought my pc Jan., 2010. I recently shut off my Media Player, then

the next day when I went to view a video, I had NO audio, NONE!

Audio/Video is the main reason I bought a new machine... go figure!

 

I've been to help forums, MFR live chat, talked live w/techs, did a total

system (factory?) recovery, twice.

I've taken it in to "the geek squad" and he checked all the things that

I'd already checked. Now they want big bucks to just bring this sucker

in for a look see. I have no virus's and almost all of my RAM is still

available

Possibly my sound driver or sound card? If so... how do I check it?

HELP!

Thanks in advance

[imiubu]

Thanks everyone for your helpful suggestions.

(Before I go any further... I know... I know... I SHOULDN'T HAVE

BOUGHT IT AT BEST BUY!!!)

If it helps... I have a Gateway DX4300-11 and wish I'd done more research (obviously!) prior to purchase.

 

I've tried all your suggestions (except Mezz's) and thus far is my progress:

 

I now have some audio but, it sounds like an analog radio station that

you're tuning in during the wee hours of the night.... yes it is wonderful

to have found a station and actually be able to make out the distant music.

If I turn up the volume... there is too much static, yet the

audio can still be heard behind the hiss.

 

Some of us remember those days I'm sure!

 

Although this is an improvement it does not resolve my issue.

 

Mezz;

Getting a new/diff sound card may solve the issue except, I'm such a

novice that I'm scared as sheet to open this machine (unlike my old one)!

I don't think once I got it open, I would even know what the sound card looked

like either! Little tutorial maybe???

 

Dman;

I wonder if the geek squad is truly interested in helping or just making more bucks?!

Maybe I'm just cynical. I would hope their intentions to be honest. I honestly think

he knew just what the prob was, and they are only preying on folks who haven't the

know how to fix it themselves. He could have just given me the heads up when I

took it in and saved me a lot of headache and hassle. But then, when is life that

simple anymore???

No, I do not get sound when I plug in head phones.

I don't know if my sound card is integrated or not as I'm nervous to open this machine.

Unfortunately, I'm running windows 7.

 

Sb;

Yes, those were the 1st. things I did in my attempts to resolve this.

The guy at the blankety blank geek squad went through all the same things

as I'd already done, with the same results...none!

Thanks so much for your suggestions.

 

Lindy;

Mostly my machine is always on. I did shut it off several times during this,

what seems thus far, as a loosing battle! I will check my mfr site

for any sound card updates. Thanks

 

Taj;

Ooops, I closed my Windows Media Player program

The only discs I have are the ones I created when I 1st. purchased the machine,

labeled "recovery disc 1, 2, etc..." as suggested by mfr.

Checked the volume control and mixer, all good there.

It said "somewhere" that all these devices (?) are working properly.

I was unable to get to my BIOS on here for some reason (rookie! )

but, I did find some info on a help site where I went into "safe mode"

and now although I do not recall exactly what I did... it resulted in

my now having the distant audio. I'm still holding out hope that it's not

the driver! Thanks

 

OH CRIPE... I just found in the notification area on my task bar that

it says "no media inserted". What does that mean?

 

I love solving puzzles but this one has me agitated and frustrated!

 

Anyone else want to chime in with any suggestions? I welcome any help!

I want to try fixing this on my own before giving that bleeping geek squad

any money!

 

If there is someone/anyone on here that would like to come to my house

(or visa versa)...

I can offer gas $ and maybe a nice dinner?! A handshake... a big HUG?!!!

As like so many of us, I'm pretty strapped right now.

Although I'm a cardholder, bartering is not an option

 

I like the suggestion in Glaucoma1's thread to have a "fix it party"!

That sounds like a good fun time

 

Again, thanks to everyone who has offered up their knowledge thus

far... and thanks in advance to any others who may have some further

suggestions.

[bobandtorey]

no media inserted

try putting in a CD I WOULD THINK THATS WHAT THAT MEANS

[Dman]

T

Dman;

I wonder if the geek squad is truly interested in helping or just making more bucks?!

Maybe I'm just cynical. I would hope their intentions to be honest. I honestly think

he knew just what the prob was, and they are only preying on folks who haven't the

know how to fix it themselves. He could have just given me the heads up when I

took it in and saved me a lot of headache and hassle. But then, when is life that

simple anymore???

No, I do not get sound when I plug in head phones.

I don't know if my sound card is integrated or not as I'm nervous to open this machine.

Unfortunately, I'm running windows 7.

.

 

Open that Bi.Tc.H up. Tower that is.. Vacuum everything out. Then post a pic. If its integrated and choppy well that's the connection. You would need to buy a Sound card 20-30 buys you normal sound.

 

 

Ps. I would like to run win7.

[+420Atheist]

It is less than a year old so I would assume it is still under warranty. Call Gateway about service. If you have factory restored it then it must be hardware. HPs have one year warranty but I'm not sure about gateways now that they are a Chinese company.

 

Watch those best buy guys. I have heard them lie to customers about HP warranties in order to sell their extended store warranty that is worthless. They said that a notebook display was only warrantied for 60 days. That is BS as the display is covered by HP for the full one year the rest of the device is. I have first hand knowledge of this.

[TajMahal]

Pretty nice machine! Just in case you do not have the user guides etc. will post the links.

 

General user guide, basic stuff mostly, but some good info.

 

http://support.gatew...pUsersGuide.pdf

 

Yep, integrated audio........http://support.gateway.com/s/desktop/2009/gateway/dx/dx4300/DX4300rv.shtml

 

OK, this computer was originally sold with Windows Vista, and it is a Gateway. Likely some proprietary drivers, or driver upgrades lost in the shuffle, ( by the Mfr's, Microsoft and Gateway)

 

Best bet...going out on a limb here kinda, I would try downloading and installing the appropriate audio driver from Gateway.

 

The main driver download page.....scroll down to "sound downloads"

 

http://support.gatew...pn&param=DX4300

 

 

To get to this page.. This driver covers Windows 7 in both 32 bit and 64 bit versions....All good.

 

http://support.gatew...8&uid=284679648

 

I know you will ask how to install, going to take a look at it, Be back:) OK, it includes an installer, easy as pie, I just installed it on my computer, no worries, I don't use the integrated sound, should not mess me up.

[TajMahal]

It is less than a year old so I would assume it is still under warranty. Call Gateway about service. If you have factory restored it then it must be hardware. HPs have one year warranty but I'm not sure about gateways now that they are a Chinese company.

 

Watch those best buy guys. I have heard them lie to customers about HP warranties in order to sell their extended store warranty that is worthless. They said that a notebook display was only warrantied for 60 days. That is BS as the display is covered by HP for the full one year the rest of the device is. I have first hand knowledge of this.

 

ditto on the Best Buy Guys, they got me on a driver cd, turns out the laptop allowed me to make my own driver cd.

[Willy]

what part of the state are you in, i worked for a computer company for a lot of years. if your not to far away.. ??

[MightyMightyMezz]

Here's an example of a USB soundcard for $50. It has rca jacks just like a stereo receiver and probably has noticeably better sound than the stock soundcard in your computer. No need to open your computer, just connect the port and maybe select the soundcard in your settings. With this particular one you could easily record vinyl records into your computer and make CDs/MP3s out of them.

 

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/StereoiO/

 

[Willy]

you need type dxdiag in the start bar , hit enter and go from there check the sound thats at board level ability. It has an auto audio test program.. it'll also give you an idea what is wrong.

[imiubu]

no media inserted

try putting in a CD I WOULD THINK THATS WHAT THAT MEANS

 

oh boy, do I feel silly!

[imiubu]

Everyone who has offered me help, thank you so much.

I learned a lot yet...

This is where I am

 

Mezz...

I think you're right... just not worth the aggravation.

I have a friend w/firewire. I'll check that out then post

my results.

 

[Hempcheff]

have you tried going to the volume control settings? make sure the wave volume is turned up.

 

right click on the speaker icon, select "open volume controls"

a panel will come up, check the slider and the mute for the "wave" option.

 

 

ive had that happen in the past, after digging forever my fix was that easy, lol, just thought id pass it along. hope it helps

[imiubu]

you need type dxdiag in the start bar , hit enter and go from there check the sound thats at board level ability. It has an auto audio test program.. it'll also give you an idea what is wrong.

 

DxDiag Notes

------------

Display Tab 1: No problems found.

Sound Tab 1: No problems found.

Sound Tab 2: No problems found.

Input Tab: No problems found.

 

I was unable to locate the auto audio test program.

I'm in the Lansing area, btw.

[+420Atheist]

If you have done a system restore twice and have no sound it is a hardware problem. Make sure the speakers are plugged into the right place. If that is not it and it is still under warranty get it fixed. If you have done a factory restore they should have no problem giving you a RMA.

[Wild Bill]

Here is a link to Microsoft's online troubleshooter. It might help.

 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948481

[imiubu]

I thought I would pop in and give an update.

 

I've went to all links provided and want to thank everyone for chiming in here, your assistance has

helped me learn more ways to troubleshoot and I greatly appreciate all of your help.

 

I did open her up and vacuumed but, forgot to take pix :*

I was about to take Mezz's suggestion and get a USB sound card.

I had purchased an external HD and and HDMI cord some time

ago yet hadn't plugged everything in. Now that I have the HDMI,

I have audio through my monitor speakers. Hmmm, my sound card

still good then?

Well, still no audio from my receiver and nothing has been changed

in that set up, except I bought a new cord and it is plugged into the

same lt. green port. Everything is just as it was b4 this audio issue.

 

Yes, I still have the warranty on this and can take it in but the cost

is just stupid as now I don't think it is a hardware issue (?).

 

This morning as I woke, I thought... you dummy, uninstall the

Media Player, then re-install, duh. Well, now my Media Player

is working yet, the audio still only works when I use HDMI.

 

Cripes, I don't have a nice audio system just to listen through my

danged monitor speakers! If I didn't have alternative audio options

in my house then, I would have let the geek squad have their $$.

Prob there is if it's software, I'll need to cut off an appendage!

Anyone have any more ideas for me?

Thanks everyone

[solabeirtan]

Are you running 32 or 64 bit Windows ? Possible that your using 64 bit Win /w a 32 bit Sound Card Driver ?

 

Try downloading the 'Real' Player . Install and check for sound .

 

 

[Ionic7]

Hdmi usally sets itself up when you plug it in where a 3.5mm won't. If your soundcard some how lost its default or got changed to another as default that could cause your issue, to check right click the volume icon, pick sounds,go to playback tab, and look for what ever speaker output device you want to use it will have a name by it for the most part, right click and make sure it is set as default.

[imiubu]

Thanks everyone for your help. I've tried everything that has been suggested by

all you wonderful people to no avail.

I've got a loaner coming and then I guess I'll bite the big bullet and take this sucker

in

Life goes on....

Peace