Troubleshooting Sound Problems in Windows Vista

Any Sound?

The first step in troubleshooting Windows Vista sound problems is to determine whether there is any sound at all. If there's not, check to make sure the speakers are turned on. If you're using external speakers, turn the volume up as it may be too low to be audible. Check the physical connections of the external computer, as well, ensuring that they are correctly connected and not bent or frayed. If possible, plug in speakers that are working on another computer to rule out a problem with the speakers. Click the speaker icon in the system tray to the right of the computer clock and ensure that the sound is not muted (it will have a red circle with a line through it if it is muted).

Device Manager

If there's still no sound, log onto the computer as an administrator. If you're not sure if you have administrative rights, go to the "Start" menu and type "User Accounts" into the "Start Search" field. Select "User Accounts" from the "Programs" list. It will say "Administrator" under the user name of all users with administrative rights. Once logged in as an administrator, go to the "Start" menu and type "Device" into the "Start Search" box. Click "Device Manager" in the "Programs" list. The Device Manager will open. Expand "Sound, Video and Game Controllers." Right-click the sound card and select "Properties." The "Device Status" box will define a problem with the sound card.

Recognize the Sound Card

A common error that is displayed in the "Device Manager" is that Windows does not recognize the sound card that is installed. If you know that there is a working sound card but none appears in the "Device Manager," close the "Device Manager" and go to the "Start" menu. Click to open the "Control Panel." Select "Classic View" in the task pane on the left of the "Control Panel" and then double-click "Add Hardware." The "Add Hardware" wizard will start. Click "Next" to start the wizard. Select "Search for and Install the Hardware Automatically (Recommended)" and then click "Next." The wizard will find and properly install the sound card.

Drivers

Another common error in "Device Manager" is that the driver is missing or needs to be updated. Check the manufacturer's website for driver downloads. Download and install the most recent version of the driver. Another way to update or install a driver is to go to the "Device Manager," right-click the sound card and click "Properties." Go to the "Driver" tab and click "Update Driver." Make sure the computer is connected to the Internet. Select "Search Automatically for Updated Software," and Windows will find the driver.