My computer's volume is really low

[DanTheManPR]

for some reason, my computer's volume is low, a lot lower than it was before I re-installed everything. I used to be able to produce deafening noise from my headphones, but now all I can manage is a rather low volume.

I have all the volume controls turned up:

http://www.IMGSpot.com/u/04/155/01/medesktop.jpg


What else could be causing this?

[Ojnod]

Did you try any different audio drivers? That can change stuff up.

[Kalbrecht]

What sound card? Is there a card-specific control panel - this can often muck around with things - I've found that the Creative Control Panel settings can be completely different to everything else, throwing the sound out of whack.

[Gaim Mastr]

If you've got a program auto-running (even in part) when you startup your system, and that program affects volume, it could be overriding your other settings by keeping the volume low.

Some common progs that affect volume (though not usually in such a negative way)...

Windows Media Player
RealOne Player
Winamp
Musicmatch Jukebox
P2P programs that let you listen to MP3s with them.
Maybe even some game


Go here...
Start > Run > msconfig > Startup
... and look to see if something you don't want is auto-running when you start your system.


Try this...
(right click) My Computer > Properties > Hardware > Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers
... look to make sure that your video card is registered in there.
If it is, click it to highlight it, then click Action from the top menu and then Properties and look for anything that might be wrong.

[DanTheManPR]

Gaim> I have no such bloatware infesting my system!
Kalbert> Its an integrated sound card - I can't find any drivers for it.

[Jagndeke]

You don't have any of these progs Dan?

Windows Media Player
RealOne Player
Winamp
Musicmatch Jukebox

How do you play .avi's, .mov's, .mpeg's, etc.?

Well, whatever it is you use to play these type of files, just open these programs up one at a time, crank up the volume, and see if your system volume increases overall.

I used to have RealPlayer and had the same system sound problem. Too low. I finally figured out that RealPLayer had taken over my system's master volume. Once I unloaded it, my system sound was back to normal.

[DanTheManPR]

I run everything from JetAudio and the Quintessntial player. I also have windows media player, just becuase its always there. I've checked the volume on all of them, they are way up.

[O'C]

Two obvious ones, so you probably have tried them already.

1. When you were reinstalling everything, did you unplug the speakers by any chance. I assume all the wires are seated correctly and plugged into the correct ports.

2. Do the speakers or the headphones have a physical volume control on them that could be turned down?

Is it only low when playing through the headphones? How is the volume on your regular computer speakers?

[Gaim Mastr]

A broken wire would also cause that exact problem. Bending, twisting and streatching wires can break them inside of the insulation, where you'd never see it.

I'd suggest getting something else and hooking it up right to your sound port to see if the problem is with your headphones or speaker wires.

[Eddie Ismail]

Dan I had this problem with one of my computers, it's because the card is integrated into your mobo, I believe the problem is due to the faulty drivers supplied by MS, what you need is one of the following....
1- a self amplified speakers *I think this means a speaker with it's own power source*
2- or look on the net, for the right driver or for a solution for that problem. just go to google and type "*name of your mobo* integrated audio drivers"

that should hopefully do it. take care, and keep us updated.