[JeffM]

Hi, I already searched google endlessly to solve this one:

1) No errors in device manager
2) Not malware related
3) Checked my physical connections from speakers to PC

But no matter what whenever I play anything, the audio/sound flickers.

I updated the RealTek drivers and that didn't work. Rolled them back, uninstalled them, and then reinstalled the latest. Still the audio cuts in and out and/or flickers.

I did not update the Audio Codecs, just the AC97.

Is there a way I can tell if the problem is something inside my computer which has gone bad, without actually physically opening up the PC?

I am running XP Pro SP3.

Thanks so much for any tips. I really, really appreciate it.

Jeff

Edited by JeffM, 18 October 2009 - 05:03 AM.

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Hello JeffM.... Welcome to GeeksToGo,

I'm sorry to hear about your issue. We will try to help you resolve this as soon as possible.
Please understand we are all volunteers and we are not here all the time. Sometimes it may be a extended amount of time to get back to you. If it has been more then 3 days please shoot me a PM and I will try to get back to you quickly then.


Have you tried a different set of speakers?
If not have you tried your speakers on another system?


Download and install Free Everest Home Edition
Open it.
1: In left pane expand Computer folder.
2: Click once on Summary
3: In upper menu, go Report
4: And then to Quick Report-Summary
5: Save it in text file, and paste it in your next post.
Click the + by computer, click on Sensor. Get a screenshot and post it so I can check your temps and voltages...

DO NOT INCLUDE ANYTHING UNDER THE LINE THAT SAYS "DEBUG- PCI"

[rshaffer61]

Hello JeffM.... Welcome to GeeksToGo,

I'm sorry to hear about your issue. We will try to help you resolve this as soon as possible.
Please understand we are all volunteers and we are not here all the time. Sometimes it may be a extended amount of time to get back to you. If it has been more then 3 days please shoot me a PM and I will try to get back to you quickly then.


Have you tried a different set of speakers?
If not have you tried your speakers on another system?


Download and install Free Everest Home Edition
Open it.
1: In left pane expand Computer folder.
2: Click once on Summary
3: In upper menu, go Report
4: And then to Quick Report-Summary
5: Save it in text file, and paste it in your next post.
Click the + by computer, click on Sensor. Get a screenshot and post it so I can check your temps and voltages...

DO NOT INCLUDE ANYTHING UNDER THE LINE THAT SAYS "DEBUG- PCI"

[JeffM]

Hey thanks a lot, rshaffer! I hope I did this right...

--------[ EVEREST Home Edition © 2003-2005 Lavalys, Inc. ]------------------------------------------------------------

Version EVEREST v2.20.405
Homepage http://www.lavalys.com/
Report Type Quick Report
Computer KOWALSKI
Generator Administrator
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail)
Date 2009-10-18
Time 08:08


--------[ Summary ]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Computer:
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
OS Service Pack Service Pack 3
DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
Computer Name KOWALSKI
User Name Administrator

Motherboard:
CPU Type Intel Celeron, 2600 MHz (26 x 100)
Motherboard Name Intel Brownsville D845GBV / Brownsville 2 D845GEBV2 / Rexburg D845GRG / Rexburg 2 D845GERG2
Motherboard Chipset Intel Brookdale-G i845GEV
System Memory 1014 MB (DDR SDRAM)
BIOS Type AMI (07/23/03)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port (LPT1)

Display:
Video Adapter Intel® 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphics Controller (64 MB)
3D Accelerator Intel Extreme Graphics
Monitor Gateway FPD1530 [15" LCD] (134552445)

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter Intel 82801DB ICH4 - AC'97 Audio Controller [B-0]

Storage:
IDE Controller Intel® 82801DB Ultra ATA Storage Controller - 24CB
Disk Drive ST340015A (40 GB, 5400 RPM, Ultra-ATA/100)
Optical Drive LITE-ON COMBO LTC-48161H (DVD:16x, CD:48x/24x/48x DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
SMART Hard Disks Status OK

Partitions:
C: (NTFS) 38154 MB (10537 MB free)

Input:
Keyboard Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse Microsoft PS/2 Mouse

Network:
Network Adapter Intel® PRO/100 VE Network Connection (72.241.184.111)
Modem Intel® 537EP Data Fax Modem

Peripherals:
Printer HP PSC 1500 series
Printer Microsoft XPS Document Writer
USB1 Controller Intel 82801DB ICH4 - USB Controller [B-0]
USB1 Controller Intel 82801DB ICH4 - USB Controller [B-0]
USB1 Controller Intel 82801DB ICH4 - USB Controller [B-0]
USB2 Controller Intel 82801DB ICH4 - Enhanced USB2 Controller [B-0]

This is all I have under "Sensor." It's pretty bare bones.


Forgot to answer these questions:

Have you tried a different set of speakers?

No, I don't have a spare set, unfortunately.

If not have you tried your speakers on another system?

No. I can maybe take them to a friends house later, if that's necessary.

Thanks again.

Edited by JeffM, 18 October 2009 - 06:39 AM.

[rshaffer61]

Everest report looks fine.
What about the speakers?
Is sound problem happening online watching videos and listening to music?
Are you listening to music files and are they regular cd audio or mp3 files?
Watching movies on your system with a dvd player?
Are they regular store bought dvd's or burned\downloaded files?
If the latter what formats?

[JeffM]

I updated my above post to answer the two questions you asked me initially -- sorry about that.

Is sound problem happening online watching videos and listening to music?

Yes, it happens, no matter the file format. For music, I've tried both FLAC and MP3 and it flickers. The audio also flickers during YouTube videos.

Are you listening to music files and are they regular cd audio or mp3 files?

MP3/FLAC

Watching movies on your system with a dvd player?

Nope, haven't tried that.

Are they regular store bought dvd's or burned\downloaded files?
If the latter what formats?

MP3s mostly.

Sometimes just with the power turned on, and no music playing, the speakers will emit brief blasts of static or what sounds like your typical Windows error dialog box default sound, even though there's no dialog box which pops up.

I did a scan with Avira and MBAM and it found no problems. Plus I did a Root Repeal scan and there's no hidden rogue drivers or anything. That's why I don't think it's malware related.

My best bet to buy new speakers and see if that's the issue?

Thanks,

Jeff

Edited by JeffM, 18 October 2009 - 06:49 AM.

[rshaffer61]

Test the speakers on another system to verify if that is indeed the problem.
I have a feeling it is but always a good ideal to check it.
Reason for edit:
Missed information.
Please let me know what the results are of the test as we always like to know good or bad.
If needed we will pursue other options if the speakers are found to be in good working order.

[JeffM]

Test the speakers on another system to verify if that is indeed the problem.
I have a feeling it is but always a good ideal to check it.

OK, will do. May not be able to do so until after 7PM ET tonight, so will reply again after that. I appreciate you helping me with this. I'll be in touch later.

[rshaffer61]

Not a problem and if I'm not here one of the other Techs or members may answer.

[JeffM]

I plugged the new speakers (Dell) into the back of the PC but the sound is very muffled and too much bass.

The original speakers are Gateway. Compatibility issue?

Do I need to download different drivers to use Dell desktop speakers, as opposed to Gateway brand speakers?

The good news is that the sound is not cutting out when I play any audio.

So I'm guessing the old speakers are to blame and not the soundcard. Please advise what to try next.

I went to Control Panel and played around with "Sounds and Audio Devices" but no dice.

Thanks a lot.

[rshaffer61]

Are the speakers a pair or are there more then just the two speakers?
Have you checked the audio properties to make sure the sound properties do not have bass turned up?

[JeffM]

I think after all this, it was just a loose connection related to the original speakers.

I had unplugged everything associated with getting those speakers to work on Saturday night, and then re-plugged everything back in and nothing changed.

However, last night, I unplugged everything again and dusted the speakers off and removed some dust from the back of the PC, where the speakers were plugged in, and now the audio is just fine.

Thanks for your help. I guess all is ok now and I won't need new speakers after all.

Take care,

Jeff

[rshaffer61]

Congratulations. for a successful resolution for your issue. I am happy everything has been worked out for you. With that being said I am happy to say:


You are very welcome. I'm glad we could help and please let us know how everything works out for you.
If there is anything else we can do to help please feel free to ask. I appreciate that you allowed me to assist you with your issue and for your patience. Thank you for choosing GeeksToGo for help.
This issue now appears to be resolved.