Troubleshoot Audio Problems in WindowsNo Audio Playback Troubleshooting Audio Problems in Windows Audio doesn’t play at all, stops playing after using your computer for a while, or you can’t adjust the volume and other properties of your sound device.
To resolve this problem, follow these steps: | Check the basics If you are using speakers, make sure that your speakers are powered on. Locate the cable that connects your speakers to your computer, verify that the cable is plugged into the correct jack on the computer and then verify that the cable is plugged into the speakers. Then, unplug the cable from the computer, wait a few seconds, and then plug it in again. Also, make sure that the cable is plugged into the speakers.  |  | A typical USB cable and port | A typical 1/8 inch line-out jack |
If you are using headphones, unplug the headphones, wait a few seconds, and then plug them in again. If you have an extra set of headphones, plug them in to verify that the problem is not related to the set of headphones you were using.
|
| | | |
1 Check the basics | 2 Run diagnostics |
| Run diagnostics Automatically diagnose and repair problems with sound and audio on your computer. This diagnostic can fix the following issues: Audio device driver updates, problems with audio services, audio device configuration, connection problems, device volume levels, and device configuration. Run the diagnostic
By clicking Run now, you agree to the terms referenced in the Microsoft License Agreement.
Run now Please note: |
| | | |
1 Check the basics | 2 Run diagnostics | 3 Additional resources |
| Additional resources You can also try these additional resources to fix your problem. 
| Update your audio driver To download and install the latest driver for your sound card, visit the Web site of your computer’s manufacturer. | | | | | | |
| Make sure Windows is up to date Your problem may be resolved by updating Windows. | | |
Launch Windows Update | | | Launching Windows Update...
Windows Update is now included in Control Panel. In the future, to check for updates (or if this webpage doesn’t open Windows Update automatically): - Click the Start button, clickAll Programs, and then click Windows Update.
|
| An audio device outputs PCM audio instead of DTS audio from the S/PDIF or HDMI connection | | | When you click to select the DTS Audio check box in the SPDIF Out Properties dialog box or in the HDMI Out Properties dialog box for an audio device in Windows Vista, the device may output pulse-code modulation (PCM) audio instead of Digital Theatre System (DTS) audio from the S/PDIF connection or the HDMI connection. Therefore, you may hear a stereo signal instead of a signal that uses additional channels. Or, you may hear no sound at all. When you click to select the DTS Audio check box, you expect to hear 5.1-channel audio output or another DTS signal.
Workaround: To work around this problem, click to select both the DTS Audio check box and the Dolby Digital check box in the SPDIF Out Properties dialog box or in the HDMI Out Properties dialog box. |
| An audio application cannot play PCM, True Dolby HD and other non-PCM audio formats | | | You install a High Definition (HD) Audio function driver that can expose multiple non-pulse code modulation (PCM) audio formats and some PCM or non-PCM audio formats that are encrypted.
However, you may notice that the audio application cannot play the following formats: The latest non-PCM formats, such as Dolby True HD Both PCM and non-PCM audio formats that are encrypted
Resolution: |
| Ask the community Ask questions and find answers related to Windows Vista on Microsoft Answers | | | |
| Contact a Microsoft Support Professional Microsoft provides unique options based on the type of support that you need | | |  | Microsoft Online Assisted Support | Support may be available for no charge or may cost money, depending on the type of support that you need. Support may also be offered by the company that manufactured your computer.  Start Support Request
|
|
|
| | | |
| |
