eMachines Windows Vista FAQ

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Windows Vista - No Sound (no Audio)

Note: Some of the following procedures may require the use of an account with administrative privileges. You may need to click Continue or type in an administrative username and password during those procedures.

Test the computer after each step until a resolution is found.

  1. Restart the computer.

  2. Eliminate all environmental issues, including the surge protector by disconnecting it.

    Note: Eliminating the surge protector is for troubleshooting purposes only. After leaving the surge protector disconnected long enough to recreate the issue, reconnect the computer's power to the surge protector to protect against lightning or electrical damage.

  3. If you have external speakers, make sure that they have power and are turned on. This is indicated by an LED showing on (usually blue or green) on the speakers.

  4. Make sure volume is not turned down or muted.

  5. Make sure the correct sound card output, analog or digital (if applicable), is in use for the speakers connected.

  6. Make sure that the speakers are connected to the correct jack on the computer. If applicable, make sure the cables are connected correctly between the speakers and subwoofer. If the power LED is not on, check the power connections.

    Note: Some speakers have an AC adapter plugged into an AC power outlet. Lower-powered speakers are plugged into the USB port for power. Standard USB ports can support 5 volts at 0.5 Amps or 2.5 watts of power.

  7. Make sure that all volume controls for the software and hardware are set to approximately mid-range levels.
    1. Click Start, then click Control Panel.
    2. In Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound.
    3. Under Sound, click Adjust system volume.
    4. In the Volume Mixer dialog box, verify the Volume Control slider is set to mid-level or higher and is not muted.

  8. Try replacing the speakers with a set of headphones and check for sound through the headphones.

  9. Click Start. In the Start Search dialog box, type: Run, and the n click Run. In the Run prompt, type: services.msc, and then press ENTER. Make sure the Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder services are running.

  10. Remove recently added hardware or software. Be sure to first turn off the computer before removing hardware.

  11. Use System Restore if you are sure when the issue started.

    Note: If no hardware or software has been added and System Restore is not applicable, continue troubleshooting. Test after each step until a resolution is found.

    1. Click Start. In the Start Search dialog box, type: system, and then click System Restore.
    2. In the System Restore dialog box, click Choose a different restore point, and then click Next.
    3. In the System Restore dialog box, select a day and time from the list when the computer was working properly, and then click Next.
    4. Close any open programs, and then in the System Restore dialog box, click Finish.
    5. After the computer returns to Windows, in the System Restore dialog box, click OK.
    6. Determine whether the computer is working properly. If necessary, repeat the preceding steps selecting an earlier time and date.

  12. Check Event Viewer for any error or warning events.

  13. Check all related issues. If an appropriate issue document is located and performed, document the issue number in the appropriate Siebel Service Request within the session Comments field.

  14. If the issue started after installing a new device driver, use Driver Roll Back to revert to the previous driver.
    1. Click Start. In the Start Search dialog box, type: device, and then click Device Manager.
    2. In the Device Manager dialog box, highlight the device that Roll Back Driver needs to be used on.
    3. From the toolbar, click Action, and then click Properties.
    4. In the Properties dialog box for the selected device, click the Driver tab, and then click Roll Back Driver.
    5. When prompted to roll back the previous driver, click Yes.
    6. The driver is changed back to the previous driver. The driver name, driver provider, driver date, driver version, and digital signer change to the corresponding driver. In the Properties dialog box for the selected device, click Close.
    7. In the System Settings Change dialog box, click Yes to restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

      Note: Printer drivers cannot be restored with Device Driver Roll Back and Driver Roll Back only reverts to the previously installed driver.

    8. Check to see if only one program is affected. If so, check the program's options for any specific sound-related settings.
    9. Make sure the default device is correct.
    10. If available, for testing purposes connect a different set of speakers or headset.
    11. Check the Device Manager in Normal mode, and then verify the following:
      • Everything is properly installed and does not contain a red x or a yellow exclamation point.
      • There are no device conflicts.
      • There is no hardware listed under Other Devices.
    12. If applicable, verify the sound is enabled in the BIOS Setup Utility. Use the computer's documentation for the correct procedure.
    13. Start the computer in Safe mode. Check Device Manager for duplicate devices, and then restart computer into Normal mode.
    14. For troubleshooting purposes only, disable Power Management. Use the computer's documentation for the correct procedure.
    15. Make sure all team resources have been used before going through the System Reload Windows XP Policy the hard drive or servicing or replacing any additional parts.

If following the above procedures did not resolve your problem, please contact Gateway through one of the following methods:
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