Windows 8 - Computer keeps muting itself

Question

Note: I have an HP Computer, Windows 8, and all windows updates are current.  Computer is less then 1 year old.

Issue:

The past few months I have been having major issues where Window's will randomly mute the Audio Sound across all of my sound assets: Normal Speakers and Headphones, and Applications: like Chrome, Go To Meeting, Mozilla Firefox, external speakers, etc. In a nut shell, my sounds simply stops working.  In opening the Volume mixer, I can click un-mute any/all of the assets in the Volume Mixer,  however the sound still does not work.   I have tried to replicating the issue, have run malware programs looking for a potential virus, tried to un-mute using the volume key on my keyword, have looked for Sound Driver updates, and have searched the Windows community forums (trying to solve the issue), but alas it still seems to keep randomly occurring.  

Currently, to solve the issues I need to restart my computer and then all Sounds function fine.   This is becoming a problem because I use this computer for work and Webinar / Conference calls often that require sound functions so that I can hear clients questions.

Problem occurs every few days.   Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi JTompkins,

You might be facing this issue due to an outdated or corrupt sound card drivers. We really appreciate your effort to resolve the issue. Even though, you have tried to update the drivers, I suggest you to uninstall and reinstall the sound card driver and check if it helps.

**Method 1:**Run the Sound Troubleshooter and check if it works.

Follow the steps to run the troubleshooter:

a.       Press Windows key + C on your keyboard to show the Charms bar.

b.      Type Troubleshooting and click Troubleshooting under Settings.

c.       Now type Sound Troubleshooter in the search option.

d.      Click on Sound troubleshooter to run the troubleshooter.

Method 2:

Uninstall the Sound card drivers and reinstall

Follow the steps to uninstall the Sound card drivers and in-built speaker drivers.

a.       Press Windows Key + X and then click Device Manger.

b.      Search for Sound, Video and Game Controllers and expand it.

c.       Right on the soundcard driver and select uninstall.

You can logon to the computer manufacturer website and install the latest driver for the computer.

You can also refer to the article mentioned below and check if it helps.

No sound in Windows

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/no-sound-help#no-sound=windows-8&v1h=win8tab2&v2h=win7tab1&v3h=winvistatab1&v4h=winxptab1

Now check if the issue is resolved. If the issue still persists, then I would suggest you to get back to us for further assistance.

Answer 2

Hi,

Since this thread is old, kindly create a new thread about the issue for better assistance.

Regards.

Answer 3

how do you reinstall

Answer 4

Hi JTompkins,

You are welcome.

Hope the issue wil get resolve after trying those troubleshooting steps.

Please post back if the issue persists or if you have any other issues related to Windows and we will be glad to assist you further.

Answer 5

Great.  Thank you.  Will try.