Could it be the sound card?
By nicholejade
@nicholejade (2430)
Canada
August 10, 2008 2:32am CST
I am wondering just how likely it could be the sound card. Ok first off I got my computer hooked up to surround sound for my speakers. However it stopped working a little while ago. I haven't been able to get at the cord to look to see if it's the cord itself. But I have noticed on one of the cords it is brownish/black like it's been friend. Could it be replacement cord or sound card? And if sound card how likely are they to blow when using surround sound?
2 people like this
4 responses
@_Robert_ (54)
•
10 Aug 08
Hi Nicolejade,
There could be a number of reasons why your sound has stopped working, you could have deleted the Drivers for your sound card
(in case you don't know Drivers are like an instruction manual in the form of a file so your computer knows how to use your new soundcard/graphics card etc - just think of if your in a car and there is no driver your not going to go very far) honestly that wasn't meant to rhyme. hehe
If the cable is brownish/black like it has been burnt(did you mean?) if so are the metal copper wires showing?
I know it sounds very silly to ask but, are the speakers turned on? both at the unit and plugged in to the wall socket?
Hopefully we will get you back up and running so you can listen to your surround sounds music / movies again very soon.
Thanks for reading.
Rob
@nicholejade (2430)
• Canada
10 Aug 08
I don't think it could be the drivers as no one has deleted them or anything like that that I know of. But it might of happened. How do I check into looking at the drivers to see if they are still installed?
Yes it was like it had been burned. No wires coming out just the plastic/rubber coil around the wires itself are charred.
Speakers on, to the right setting for our computer hook up (CDR), plugged into the back of the speakers and yes the receiver is plugged in. It works great for DVD, video game consoles, tv just not the computer.
1 person likes this
@_Robert_ (54)
•
10 Aug 08
Hi Nicolejade,
I really need more information about your computer Window XP/ 2000 Vista?
Do you know if the sound card is Intergrated (onboard) or an expansion card?
one like this http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com/files/bsound.jpg would be onboard
one like this http://www.sunrisepage.com/it/images/pc6.jpg would be an expansion card. (you cant see this picture very well but the sound card in the one marked 2.
Thank you for reading
Rob:)
1 person likes this
@nicholejade (2430)
• Canada
10 Aug 08
It is onboard. It is identical to the first picture. It is Windows XP as well.
1 person likes this
@ferdzNK (3211)
• Philippines
10 Aug 08
Hi Nicholejade, most likely not from using the surround sound. If you reboot and see the device still ok in driver manager then I think it still ok. Do not plug the speaker just yet and try playing you media application, if the volume meter is still working then there's is a good chance that the problem is just from that speaker wire. Now check the wires, burnt wires usually has that odor and easily bent like it cut inside. Cut it out and replace the plug.
@ferdzNK (3211)
• Philippines
10 Aug 08
Before you search for a sound card(which look ok so far, though there's a possibility), start with the simple/cheaper and easier to fix, have someone check the speaker cables and power cords as suggested by the distinguish gentleman from UK. Maybe, just maybe that is just the defective one.
@nicholejade (2430)
• Canada
10 Aug 08
Thanks for all your help. I went out today and looked for the new cable but I can't get the cable that I need. I can only get 8ft and I need at least 20ft. Anyway I bought a whole new set of computer speakers for it and YAY it works again. I am totally impressed now so I know it wasn't the sound card it was the cord itself. But thank you very much for all you help.
@nicholejade (2430)
• Canada
10 Aug 08
The driver seems to be fine. I checked it out and it has the little plus sign next to it along with all the components. There is no yellow circle with a in it. I will have to go and hunt a new card down as I did a patch work before when I hooked it up. I guess it really is time to get a new cord as it has been on there for quite some time.
I don't know if it had the odor but it looks like it. I was away when the sound went out and it has been done for a couple months now. I just finally have a chance to looking into it.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
10 Aug 08
Most of the time it is the drivers, but from what you say, it looks like the sound card or something inside has fried. There was a short. I do not know if surround sound affects your computer. What you have to really do is to re read the manual or if you do not have it, find out from the place you bought it whether the computer sound card can handle surround sound. In that case, you may have to get a better sound card.
@nicholejade (2430)
• Canada
10 Aug 08
The sound card that we have is top of line. And yes it is compatiable with surround sound that is why I hooked it up. Anyway the cable turned out that it was fried. I went to get one today but to my surprise the only cable they have and the longest one they make is 8ft. I need something about 20ft. Anyway I bought a whole new computer speaker system and it is working great.
@littleowl (7157)
•
11 Aug 08
Am sorry on this one I cant help, for one I dont have surround sound and am totally naive about anything electrical!! your friend littleowl
