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Windows 7 Home Premium x64 (Dell Inspiron 580): Realtek HD Audio Driver - Audio Device is Disabled.

Anonymous
2011-03-01T17:03:32+00:00

I have a Dell Inspiron 580 running Windows 7 Home Premium x64.  I recently tried to update my driver for the Realtek High Definition Audio (machine has onboard audio).  When the driver update finished I had no sound, and a little icon with a red x in the tray stating "No speaker or headphones are plugged in."  When I run the troublshooter, I get an "Audio device is disabled." message.  I've checked the BIOS and it is enabled.  I've tried uninstalling various versions of the Realtek driver.  I updated the BIOS to the latest version from Dell and patched Win7 to SP1.  I've tried plugging speakers and headphones into various outputs on both the front and the back of the machine.  Nothing seems to help.  Any suggestions?

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-10-25T09:13:52+00:00

    This is a good example of why I don't update drivers with my Inspiron 580. If it's working I leave it alone. The Dell download site has a lot of improved drivers for this pc and I have followed instructions by the letter and usually had to uninstall and go back to factory and in some cases restore completely. The Dell support site does not back windows 8 install on this system.  Overall the pc has above average speed and runs smoothly. I did have a freezing problem and a corrupted windows file was the cause. The only updates I make are windows security related and cleaning out files. It will not run Explorer 9 update. Two crashes and hours on phone with Dell not interested in going there again. Explorer 8 has everything and more than I can use anyway. All these changes that effect system operations as a whole push consumers to spend more money, buy higher tech electronics than necessary. If the super high tech, super performance is wanted I would just probably go with apple or gameing type pc at purchase.  Game systems are open for building up. These everyday use computer companies want us to buy new, not improve and repair.  This Inspiron with monitor, speackers all together was 1700 new 2 years ago so, my faith in the co. has dwindled.  I tried to chat with Dell about the problems with updates on this pc and will not buy another Dell.  If they would offer a rebate on a replacement pc and refurbish these towers, it would restore my faith in the company but, don't see it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-03-03T03:57:54+00:00

    Azam -

    Thanks for the response.  I've tried methods 1,2,3 with no success.  When I go to the Properties of the speakers from the Control Panel, the Level tab is completely blank.  Looks like I'm down to trying various system restore points or reinstalling Windows.  If you have any other advice it would be appreciated.  Thanks -

    Ryan

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-03-02T15:02:16+00:00

    Hi,

    I would suggest you to follow these steps and check if it helps.

    Method 1:

    First I would suggest you to go to device manager and check if you the sound card is listed and the status of the sound card. If every thing is fine, then follow the steps in method 2.

    Method 2:

    Try these steps:

    a.     Click on start, go to control panel.

    b.    Open sounds and under playback check if the speaker has a green check mark.

    c.     If yes, then select speaker and click on set default.

    d.    If no, then right click on the speaker and check if you can see the option to enable, click on enable.

    e.    If you cant see the speakers, then right click on the blank space and click on show disable devices and then follow above steps.

    Method 3:

    If this doesn’t help, then try uninstalling all the drivers related to the sound card, go to manufacturer’s website download the latest drivers for the sound card and install.

    Method 4:

    If nothing helps, then I would suggest you to restore the system to an earlier point and check if it helps, here is the link:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/System-Restore-frequently-asked-questions

    Azam – Support Engineer.

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