TROUBLESHOOTING AUDIO PROBLEMS
(Analog only−not Digital)
TO MUTE & UNMUTE THE AUDIO:
1) Click once on the tiny dark gray or white speaker icon in the System Tray (where the clock is) in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. This will bring up the Volume Control.
Note: If you cannot see the tiny dark gray or white speaker icon, then click once on the tiny Double-Left Arrow button < < on the left edge of the System Tray. This should expose additional icons in the System Tray including the dark gray or white speaker icon.
2) Click to remove or put the check mark into the box next to ώ Mute depending on whether you want to un-mute or mute the speakers, respectively.
3) Click once anywhere else to get rid of the Volume Control.
TO INCREASE/DECREASE THE VOLUME:
1) Click once on the tiny dark gray speaker icon in the System Tray (where the clock is) in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. This will bring up the Volume Control.
2) Click & drag the slider up or down to increase or decrease the volume, respectively.
3) If there is a physical volume control on the left or right speaker, you can use it to turn the volume up or down, too.
Tip: If you have two buttons on top of one of the speakers for Volume Up and Volume Down, you may have to press both of them simultaneously to turn the sound ON.
TO CHECK THE CABLES:
1) Check that the [usually] green plug on the speaker cable is plugged into the small green hole in the back of the tower. (See the bottom of these instructions for the other cables.)
Note: Do this with the computer turned OFF. Turning the tower around can dislodge other cables, so be careful when doing so.
2) Check to be sure the AC Adapter power cable is plugged into the back of the left or right speaker (or the power cord for the woofer/sub-woofer is plugged into the surge protector or AC wall outlet).
3) Verify that the AC Adapter is plugged into the Surge Protector or the AC wall outlet.
4) Check to see if the physical Volume Control, which may also be the Power switch, is turned up (turned clockwise).
TO CHANGE THE SPEAKER CONFIGURATION (FROM, FOR EXAMPLE, QUADRAPHONIC OR 5.1 SPEAKERS TO DESKTOP STEREO SPEAKERS):
Note: Although this is a rare occurrence, the speaker configuration can change spontaneously, and the sound will go OFF. Use this procedure to change the speaker configuration:
For Windows XP:
1) Click on Start, then on Control Panel.
2) Double-click on the Sounds and Audio Devices icon.
3) Click on the Volume tab.
4) Click on the Advanced button.
5) Click on the Down Arrow next to whatever is in the Speaker setup: box, then select the type of speakers you have, such as:
Stereo headphones = headphones plugged into green Speaker port on the back of tower, or front headphone jack.
Desktop stereo speakers = small desktop stereo speakers (left and right).
Quadraphonic speakers = 2 speakers in front, 2 speakers in back (behind you).
5.1 surround sound speakers = 2 speakers in front, 1 center speaker in front, 2 speakers in back, and 1 large woofer/sub-woofer (for the bass tones).
etc.
6) Click on OK.
7) Click on OK.
For Window Vista:
1) Right-click on the tiny Speaker icon in the System Tray near the clock.
2) Click on Playback Devices.
3) Click on the wide Speakers button under Select a playback device below to modify its settings:.
4) Click on the Configure button below.
5) Click on Mono, Stereo, Quadraphonic, or 5.1 Surround (whichever type of speakers you have).
Note: Your computer may have a separate speaker configuration program, such as the Creative Sound Center or the SoundMax Audio Center that you may also have to check.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Green port = for the front two speakers or headphones (also used for Line Out, to send the audio signal to a separate stereo system, for example).
Blue or Black port = for the rear two speakers.
Note: Blue is more often used for Line In (for feeding the sound signal from a separate stereo system, for example, into your computer) rather than for the rear speakers.
Orange, Yellow or Pink port = for the center speaker, or woofer/subwoofer (for bass tones).
Note: Pink is more often used for the Microphone. Newer computers have more ports and more flexible configurations for these ports than older computers.
Caution: Be sure to check your computer manual or the manufacturer's web site for which plugs to insert into these ports. You can damage the audio circuits of your computer and/or your speakers, headphones, etc., by plugging in the wrong plug!