1. Check the Volume Settings
The first step to troubleshooting a sound card that is not producing any sound is to check the volume settings. It is possible for an audio card to be functioning properly but muted at a too low level to produce sound. To check the volume settings, open the sound mixer by right clicking the speaker icon at the bottom right corner of your screen. If the audio is turned down, or if it is muted, adjust the master volume setting so that it is at a reasonable level.
2. Check the Connections
If the volume settings appear to be correct and sound is still not being produced, then the next step is to make sure all of the necessary connections are in place. Begin by checking the connection between the speakers and the sound card. Make sure the speakers are plugged into the correct port on the soundcard. Common ports used for sound output include line out, headphones, and headphone/speaker jacks.
Next, check the connection between the speakers and the power source. Some speakers will require an additional power supply to operate, while other speakers may be powered directly from the sound card. Make sure that the power source is always connected and turned on before attempting to play any sound.
3. Check for Software Issues
If the volume settings and connections appear to be correct, then the next step is to make sure the software is correctly configured. This includes making sure that the audio driver is installed and up to date. To determine if the driver is correctly installed, open the Device Manager by pressing the Windows Key+X, then select Device Manager. Once the Device Manager opens, scroll down to the “Sound, video and game controllers” section. Look for any devices labeled “Unknown device” or “Exclamation Point (!)” If any of these devices exist, right click on them and choose “Update Driver Software.”
Next, make sure the cable connecting the sound card to the computer is securely inserted into the correct port. Audio cards typically use either the PCI or PCI-Express slot and often require an additional power connector. If the cable appears to be secure then try reseating the card in the slot.
4. Check the Sound Card Drivers
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, then the next step is to check for driver issues. To do this, open the Device Manager again and look for anything labeled with either “Unknown Device” or an “Exclamation Point (!)” Right click on these and choose the “Update Driver Software” option. If this does not work, then you may need to uninstall and then reinstall the sound card driver software.
To uninstall the driver, right click on the device in the Device Manager and choose “Uninstall”. Once the driver has been uninstalled, go to the manufacturer website and download the latest driver for your sound card model. Once the driver has been downloaded, double-click on it to begin installation.
5. Reinstall the Operating System
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, then you may need to reinstall the operating system. This process can take several hours, so make sure to back up any important files beforehand. Once the operating system has been reinstalled, install the appropriate drivers for the sound card, making sure to get the latest versions from the manufacturer website.
6. Replace the Sound Card
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, then you may need to consider replacing the sound card. Try to find a card that is compatible with your motherboard and is designed for the same purpose as the one you are replacing. If a compatible sound card can not be found, then you may need to upgrade to a newer motherboard.