Where's my sound?


  #1  
Old 03-03-03, 04:56 AM
suthurnyankee
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Question Where's my sound?

I am no longer receiving any sound from my system. Have checked my speakers but not too familiar with pc's to mess with much else. I am connected with call wave and it keeps telling me that I must close out the previous window using it at this time (something to that affect). What can I do to fix this?
 
  #2  
Old 03-03-03, 10:12 AM
S
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Ok, you just described 2 totally different problems, that may be related.

At first you say you have no sound, do you see the volume icon in the system tray? If you click it and move the volume up and down, do you hear a beep when you release it? It's not muted is it? Did you check Device Manager to make sure you don't have a hardware conflict (indicated by a yellow exclamation point)? Are your cables tight in the back of the card going to your receiver/speakers? Check out those things, and let us know.

Now, your second problem is that Call Wave cannot access the sound card, because another application has priority over it. This can literally be caused by thousands of applications out there. You'll just have to close them down one-by-one to figure out which one it is. Usually it's something like Netmeeting, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, WinAmp, Windows Media Player, etc etc etc. In newer sound cards this is no longer a problem, as multible applications are allowed to play sounds at one time, instead of taking priority over your sound card. It may be time to splurge and buy a $20 Sound Blaster, if you want to run multiple applications that access the sound card anyway.

Good luck!
 
  #3  
Old 03-03-03, 03:53 PM
S
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I have tried all of the things that you have suggested and have wondered if
it may be my speakers that have blown or gone bad. Not sure if that is even
possible but when I check my volume controls the only sound I hear is when I
click the select on the bottom of the controls my speakers momentarily click.
Hmmm. Can you tell you are trying to assist a total PC illiterate person
here? After saying that you seem to be very knowledgeable so I have an
additional question for you. The system I am using is a Packard Bell unit 5
years outdated and definately basic memory, etc. for todays standards. I am
now searching for a new PC that will accomadate my digital camera and one I
can use my camcorder with.(can you believe a person like me would even wish
to embark on this!) I have been diligently searching for the one that would
suit my needs and have spoken with Dell and Gateway. After surfing the site I
get the feeling that most think they are too over-rated and priced too high.
So now I'm not sure of what to do. I want a system that I will be satisfied,
not afraid to pay a little but don't want to go in getting stiffed either.
Like I said I have done some research and this is what I have concluded that
I should be looking for. (these are my notes that follow that I have been
asking for through Dell and Gateway)
Processor: pentium 4 or athlon xp
Motherboard Chips: 533mhz - P4 or 400 mhz celeron
Memory: minimum 256 MB or DDR (Best Buy) and to make sure it supports DDR 333
memory
Removable storage: CD-RW drive (Iomega zip-slower) or DVD rewritable drive
(for creating DVD videos)
Design; For digital video camcorder w/firewire (IEEE 1394)port with USB Ports
on front, need expansion room w 2 open drive bays plus free PCI slot

Notes were taken from a PC World article.

I so appreciate your input and suggestions. What about emachines? Sure would
like something dependable but not sure with all the brands that are out there
now. Thanks again....
 
  #4  
Old 03-03-03, 04:01 PM
S
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Try some different speakers, they are pretty cheap. You probably find some at Best Buy for less than $10. Just get the cheapest ones you can find and try them out.

When you say you "click the select on the bottom of the controls", where exactly are you talking about? I'm guessing in the Advanced Volume Controls, maybe the WAV, MIDI, etc. selection?

Tell us what OS you're using and what kind of hardware you have too. I'm guessing a Pentium (II?) with Win95/98 possibly? Total guess.



When it comes to new PC's there are many to choose from. Keep an eye-out for the best deals on good hardware. Take a look at the Good deals on hardware/software Post for some suggestions on places to find a deal.

I highly recommend AMD over Intel (especially for the price-conscious.) DDR is a must these days.

I've heard of eMachines, but I have no personal experience with them (never owned/operated or worked on one.) I believe Kay has one though, she may be able to help there. I'm sure others have some experience with them they can share.

Good luck!
 
  #5  
Old 03-03-03, 05:13 PM
KC Computers
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I would be careful about getting an E-machine. They are low cost for a reason. They use inferior power supplies, etc. There's even a web site started by disgruntled customers at
http://www.emachinessuck.com/.

You can also read ratings on them at www.resellerratings.com.
You can also look us up there as well (KC Computers).

Good luck!
 
 

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