1. Check Device Manager
Open the Device Manager in Windows by either typing “Device Manager” into the Windows search bar, or by going to Control Panel and selecting Device Manager. Once open, expand the Sound, Video, and Game Controllers section. If the sound card is listed, right-click on it and select Update Driver. This will update the device driver and may resolve any issue that the sound card is having.
2. Uninstall and Reinstall the Sound Card Drivers
If the sound card is not listed in the Device Manager, try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver. Right-click on the sound card from the list and select “Uninstall Device”. Then restart your computer and go to the manufacturer’s website to find and download the latest version of the sound card drivers. Once downloaded, install the updated driver.
3. Check for Interference
Interference from other electrical devices can sometimes disrupt a sound card’s performance. To check for external interference, unplug all other USB devices and then restart your computer. If the sound card works after removing other USB devices from the system, it’s likely that one of them was interfering.
4. Check the Connections
Sometimes, the sound card may be disconnected from the motherboard, which can cause issues. Ensure that the sound card is securely connected to the motherboard. Also, check the cables and ports to make sure they are firmly attached.
5. Check for Physical Damage
Sometimes, physical damage can prevent sound cards from working. If the sound card looks damaged, replace it with a new one.
6. Reset BIOS
If none of the above methods have worked, try resetting the BIOS. To do this, first restart your computer and enter BIOS setup. Within the BIOS, find the option to reset the BIOS to default settings and choose to reset. After the BIOS resets, save the changes and exit. Then, restart your computer and see if the sound card works.
7. Replace the Sound Card
If all else fails, it’s possible that the sound card is simply broken or damaged beyond repair. If this is the case, you’ll need to buy a new sound card and install it. Be sure to get a compatible model for your system.