Watch this video guide on how to troubleshoot computer speakers and setup sound card


An important aspect of sound on a computer with external speakers, is that it is primarily controlled by software. The following steps help you troubleshoot issues playing sound from the PC speaker model ET-AR506-BK. Most of the audio problems are result of improper, defective, or misconnected cables; incorrect drivers; or incorrect sound system preferences.

 

Speaker turns off

If the speakers are wired incorrectly, it may trigger short circuit protection. When this happens, turn off the speakers, unplug the power cord, and wait for one minute. Verify all cables are connected properly, plug the power cord back in, and turn on the speakers.

Speakers are not connected properly

Sometimes even if your speakers have worked in the past, still check the connection since cables may be pulled out of place and become damaged.

Most sound card has multiple jacks. Sound devices connected to the computer have different cables and use different ports. If you plug speakers to a different port, it may not receive any audio signal from the computer. Speakers must be plugged into the Line Out jack, which is usually green in color. You may also need to check sound system preferences as well.

Sound card does not work

If you are running Microsoft Windows, make sure the speaker setup is correct by following these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel.

2. Select Hardware and Sound.

3. Click Manage audio devices.

4. On the Playback tab, select the device your speakers are connected to.

5. Click Set Default.

6. Click OK to apply settings.

Only one speaker has sound

If you are running Microsoft Windows, make sure the audio channels are correct by following these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel.

2. Select Hardware and Sound.

3. Click Manage audio devices.

4. On the Playback tab, select the device your speakers are connected to.

5. Click Configure.

6. Select Stereo under Audio channels, and click Next.

7. Select Front left and right under Full-range speakers, and click Next.

8. Click Finish to apply settings.

Sound is distorted

If you are running Microsoft Windows, turn off audio enhancement by following these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel.

2. Select Hardware and Sound.

3. Click Manage audio devices.

4. On the Playback tab, select the device your speakers are connected to.

5. Click Properties.

6. Click on the Enhancements tab, and check mark Disable all enhancements.

7. Click OK to apply settings.

Low volume

If the volume is lowered in the software settings, it doesn’t matter how high the knobs on your external speakers are turned up; the speakers won’t produce sound.  Make sure volume in the software is also turned up by following these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel.

2. Select Hardware and Sound.

3. Click Manage audio devices.

4. On the Playback tab, select the device your speakers are connected to.

5. Click Properties.

6. Click on the Levels tab.

7. Click on the Balance tab.

8. Set all sliders to 100. Repeat for all channels.

9. Click OK to apply settings.

Mute is on

A common mistake is accidentally pressing the mute key on your keyboard. To check if mute is turned on, look in the lower right-hand side of your desktop screen for a symbol resembling a speaker with a “no” sign.

Lastly, disconnect any headphones from the control pod. Speakers will automatically mute when a headphone is plugged into the control pod. You may also want to make sure the mute function on the control pod is not turned on.