Sound Problems

Hi everyone. The other day I was trying out some new headphones I got (Turtle Beach PX21). I plugged them into my computer to test them out, but when I was done, the sound didn't work as it normally did (coming through the speakers). I went to the "Sound" menu on the Control Panel and I messed around with that for a while, but I can't seem to get it working again. When I choose "Configure" on my speakers, I can test them and they make a sound. But when I try to test my other sound device, "Realtek Digital Output", nothing happens. I hope someone can help me with this. Thanks!

 

The first thing you need to do is make certain that the sound device that you want is listed as the default device in your control panel. Having never had a Vista machine I am not sure exactly how it is listed in the control panel but it should not be hard to find.

Are you suggesting that the only thing you did was plug in some headphones and that this occurred directly after that.? Did you install any software for this headset. I believe it is a USB set is that correct?

 

I'm so far from being a whiz at computers it's nearly embarrassing - so just popped into say hi and welcome you to our Computer Help Forums, TowerRenaldo!

It must be so frustrating - simply plug in new headphones and poof, the sound system is no longer working properly - drat! But I'm sure our Experts here will be able to help getting your computer running perfectly once again - and here, you honestly never have to worry about asking for help in easy to understand terms or, for that matter, just asking a lot of questions while being helped. Whether it's another expert asking or a brand new beginner, promise all our Experts are ever so happy to help and always very patient while doing so!

Hope you'll feel truly comfortable here, whether in any of the various computer sections or in our social area - again, a very happy welcome to you, TowerRenaldo!

Mara

 

In the Control Panel, two devices are listed: "Speakers" and "Realtek Digital Output". Both have "Working" as their status, but when I test them, only "Speakers" makes a sound. Normally, my default device is Speakers, and even though they work during the test, after I close the window, the sound doesn't work.

I was using USB headphones. When I plugged them in, it said something like "Installing Drivers" and then the sound came through my headphones. There was no manual installation process. When I unplugged my headphones, the sound was gone.

I hope that helps.

 

There was mention earlier of what the Vista sound panel looks like. Here is a snip of my Vista sound in the control panel. The default is set for "speakers". My default can be set to earphones or speakers.

Did you happen to re-boot since audio went south? If not, you might wish to try that, just to get those USB earphone drivers settled into the registry nicely.

 

Thanks! I'm an idiot for not thinking of that. My sound's all working nicely.

Thanks again,
TowerRenaldo

 

Nay, you are NOT an "idiot" - not at all! - just human, like the rest of us! So glad your sound is working once again, TowerRenaldo.

 

So, the re-boot did the job?

I started wondering exactly what an idiot is.
Didn't figure TR is one, and I was correct, as is Mara.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiot

TR was just using self-deprecating humor:

In comedy, self-deprecating humor relies on the observation of something negative about the person delivering the commentary. Many comedians use self-deprecating humor to avoid seeming arrogant or pompous, and to help the audience identify with them.