There is no sound coming out of my computer speakers

There is no sound coming out of my computer speakers. What can I do to resolve the issue?

The variety of hardware with varying ages, manufacturers, and models there are several possible correct configurations. Most fall into three primary categories: desktop, monitor mounted, or internal (all-in-one and mobile computers.) Since there can be a large amount of steps required to fix this issue, if you find them, at any point, overwhelming:

• From another computer, launch the Quick-IT program to submit a ticket to your Site Based technician.
• Contact your Site Based Technician
• Contact the Help Desk at 702-799-3300

• Determine what type of connector is used to connect the speakers to the computer by locating the cable(s) coming out of the speakers and tracing them back to the computer.
  • If the speaker cable is a green “headphone” jack:
    • Locate another audio device such as a phone, iPod, tablet, or any device that has a headphone jack.
      • Make sure audio is playing through the device continuiously, and the volume is not set above 75%.
      • Disconnect the speaker cable from the computer and plug it into the device while audio is playing.
      • If you hear audio, the speakers are working and the issue is with the computer.
        • Plug the speakers back into the computer and continue in the next section.
      • If you don’t hear audio, there may be a power issue with the speakers.
        • Check the power supply for the speakers to make sure it is plugged in.
        • Verify the outlet by plugging in another device that you know is functioning. (a lamp, cellphone charger connected to your phone)
        • Verify that it is plugged into the speakers and any indicators on the speakers are lit up.
    • Check the headphone jacks on the front and back of the computer to ensure nothing is plugged into them (other than your speakers)
      • These are usually indicated by a green circle around the edge of the jack.
      • Microphones of this type will usually have a pink plug at the end of the cable.
      • Plugging any device into the headphone jack on the computer typically disables speakers automatically.
    • Check that nothing is broken off inside the jack (check the ends of your headphones for a missing tip)
      • It is very common for the tip of a device cable to break off inside the jack.
      • This will act as though the headphones are plugged in as it typically turns off the speakers when a jack is inserted.
      • If this is the case you will need to contact a technician. Do not attempt to remove the broken tip yourself. You can easily cause damage that would not be warrantiable.
        • From a working computer, launch the Quick-IT program to submit a ticket to your Site Based Technician.
        • Contact your Site Based Technician
        • Contact the Help Desk at 702-799-3300
  • If the speaker cable has a black USB connector:
    • Make sure the computer is turned on.
    • Unplug the cable from the computer and reconnect it.
    • Check that you don’t have other USB audio devices connected such as headphones or microphones (VR headsets).
    • Check that you don’t have any devices plugged in to the headphone jacks of the speakers themselves.
    • Try a different “pair” of USB ports on the computer.  This can force Windows to reinstall the device drivers and default the device to primary.
    • Note: USB type speakers do not typically have a seperate power supply. They get power through the USB port from the computer.
  • All Types of speakers:
    • Verify that the speakers are turned on.
      • Typically, the volume knob will click after the lowest setting which turns the speakers off.
      • You should also see some kind of light on the speaker.
      • Verify that the content or application you are playing sound through has it’s playback volume set to at least 50% and is not muted.
      • If you are playing back video in a browser, check the browser tab for a speaker icon. Sound can be disabled/enabled individually for each tab open.
      • Try plugging headphones with a green (phono type) jack into:
        • The speakers (if applicable)
        • The computer rear Green jack (if applicable)
        • The front panel headphone jack.
        • If you hear sound through the headphones and not through the speakers:
          • From another computer, launch the Quick-IT program to submit a ticket to your Site Based technician.
          • Contact your Site Based Technician
          • Contact the Help Desk at 702-799-3300
    • Check the sound settings on the computer.
      • Ensure you have a continuous sound playing (music player, video player, etc.)
      • Some laptops have a physical volume wheel. Try to set it to 50%-75%.
      • Move your mouse to the lower right corner of the taskbar near the clock.
      • Look for the speaker icon. It should be just to the left of the clock, but may be hidden.
        • If so, Click the ^ symbol to the left of the clock and locate the speaker icon.
      • Left Clicking the speaker icon will allow you to adjust the volume.
      • Left Clicking on the larger speaker icon next to the volume slider will mute/unmute the sound without changing the volume setting.
      • If changing either of these does not allow you to hear audio try the following:
        • Locate the original speaker icon again but this time right-click on it.
          • Select Volume Mixer
          • The (left-most) item in the new window that opened under the “Device” heading should say “Speakers”.
            • If it does not, try changing it to “Speakers”.
            • If sound plays, stop and close the Volume Mixer window, otherwise continue.
        • Locate the original speaker icon again and right-click on it.
        • Select “Playback Devices”
        • In the window that opened, verify if “Speakers” has a green checkmark on it and is not greyed out.
        • If not, right click and select “Set as Default Communication Device”
        • If you still do not hear sound:
          • From another computer, launch the Quick-IT program to submit a ticket to your Site Based technician.
          • Contact your Site Based Technician
          • Contact the Help Desk at 702-799-3300