Solved Win 8.1 No speakers or headphones are plugged in (Realtek)

gmoury

New Member
Messages
7
Dear all,

I've been facing an issue with my sound lately (potentially linked to the win 8.1 update - as seems to be the case of a lot of people); I'm unable to get my sound to work, and I'm getting the following error message: "No speakers or headphones are plugged in".

I've been trying out a number of things already explained in this forum (reinstalling drivers, disabling things in device manager, playing around in the Realtek settings, removing 8.1 updates), but I've been unluck so far. Please see below for more details. Many thanks in advance.

audio_mgr.jpgdevice_mgr_1.jpgdevice_mgr_2.jpgdevice_mgr_3.jpgplayback_devices.jpgspeccy.jpgtroubleshoot.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 4670K @ 3.40GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. Z87N-WIFI (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 799MHz (9-9-9-24)
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti (ASUStek Computer Inc)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 PRO Series
    WDC WD1002FAEX-00Y9A0
What is listed in the Device Manager, Sound section? I see a USB device listed in one of your screenshots. What is that?
The Speakers are set as default. "Quadraphonic" is an old/rarely used speaker type, is that what you have?

Have you installed R2.75 RealTek High Definition Codecs version from the RealTek site? That is the latest and supports 8.1 (some older versions do not work properly with 8.1).
Realtek

Although unrelated to the speakers, I see you do not have a default recording device set. You should set "Stereo Mix" as the default recording device.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
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    Microsoft Wireless
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    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
Hi Fireberd,

Thank you for your reply.

What is listed in the Device Manager, Sound section? I see a USB device listed in one of your screenshots. What is that?

I'm not sure which device this is related to, I've taken a screenshot of the device details.
usb_audio_1.jpgusb_audio_2.jpgusb_audio_3.jpg
The Speakers are set as default. "Quadraphonic" is an old/rarely used speaker type, is that what you have?
That was just because I was playing around with the settings, setting it to something else like Stereo doesn't change anything.

Have you installed R2.75 RealTek High Definition Codecs version from the RealTek site? That is the latest and supports 8.1 (some older versions do not work properly with 8.1).
Realtek
I've tried that, even using RevoUninstaller first. I'll try it once more.

Although unrelated to the speakers, I see you do not have a default recording device set. You should set "Stereo Mix" as the default recording device.
I am unable to "enable" it. I click on it, but it doesn't do anything.

Thanks in advance.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 4670K @ 3.40GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. Z87N-WIFI (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 799MHz (9-9-9-24)
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti (ASUStek Computer Inc)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 PRO Series
    WDC WD1002FAEX-00Y9A0
The USB audio device, whatever that is (could it be a recording device), seems to be what is hanging things up. Disable that, in the Device Manager, and see if it makes any difference?

Also, if there are "High Definition Audio Devices Listed in the Sound section of the Device Manager, disable those. That normally is generic, audio drivers installed by Windows and if the proper hardware sound drivers are installed they should either go away or be uninstalled.


I have USB connected recording devices (e.g. my Roland Studio-Capture) but when I power it off, nothing shows up in the Device Manager.

The Stereo Mix should be able to enable. Stereo Mix is needed if you ever want to record any audio from the Internet.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
Thank you for your quick reply.

The USB audio device, whatever that is (could it be a recording device), seems to be what is hanging things up. Disable that, in the Device Manager, and see if it makes any difference?
The only option I had was to Uninstall it, which I did, but no effect after restart.

Also, if there are "High Definition Audio Devices Listed in the Sound section of the Device Manager, disable those. That normally is generic, audio drivers installed by Windows and if the proper hardware sound drivers are installed they should either go away or be uninstalled.
You mention the "Sound section", however in "Sound, video and game controllers" I do not have any High Definition Audio Devices listed. In "System Devices" though, I have a few. Could you please tell me which ones I should try and disable/uninstall? Thanks in advance.

device_mgr_4.jpgdevice_mgr_5.jpg

The Stereo Mix should be able to enable. Stereo Mix is needed if you ever want to record any audio from the Internet.
Can't do anything about it now though, but we'll see what happens if the other issue gets fixed.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 4670K @ 3.40GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. Z87N-WIFI (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 799MHz (9-9-9-24)
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti (ASUStek Computer Inc)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 PRO Series
    WDC WD1002FAEX-00Y9A0
What is actually in the Device Manager, Sound section? Those screenshots are not of the Device Manager.

For example this is mine. It lists AMD High Definition Audio Device, which is for HDMI Audio. RealTek audio and two Tranzport entries which are a wireless controller that I use with my recording studio.
Device Manager Capture.JPG
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
Actually it is Device Manager, but though "Manage PC". Device Manager window shows the same (show hidden activated).
device_mgr_6.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 4670K @ 3.40GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. Z87N-WIFI (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 799MHz (9-9-9-24)
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti (ASUStek Computer Inc)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 PRO Series
    WDC WD1002FAEX-00Y9A0
I looked up the Microsoft Streaming service and unless you are streaming some type of media, it doesn't look like that is needed. I don't have it on either of my Windows 8.1 Pro systems. The Microsoft Trusted Audio Drivers are part of the Streaming service. Disable all of this (along with the Intel audio devices mentioned below) and see if that helps.

The Intel Audio is for HDMI audio if you are using the built in Video in the Intel CPU. If not, you can disable that and I see NVIDIA so I assume you are using an NVIDIA video card.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
Hi Fireberd,

Below is the result in Device Manager after applying suggested changes. However no changes to the sound.

When I try to troubleshoot sound problems, it now suggests to enable "Intel Display Audio", which I've tried, but still nothing unfortunately.

device_mgr_7.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 4670K @ 3.40GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. Z87N-WIFI (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 799MHz (9-9-9-24)
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti (ASUStek Computer Inc)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 PRO Series
    WDC WD1002FAEX-00Y9A0
Uninstall/reinstall the RealTek audio. In the Device Manager, RIGHT click on the Realtek entry to highlight it then LEFT click "Uninstall". DO NOT uninstall the drivers. Restart the PC and when Windows starts it will detect and reinstall the sound. This will clear up any potential Windows corruptions of the Realtek sound.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
Thank you for all the help so far.

I did the uninstall (without driver) and strangely enough, it seems as though a "High definition Audio device" has popped up in the Sound list. I've tried disabling it, but still nothing.
device_mgr_8.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 4670K @ 3.40GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. Z87N-WIFI (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 799MHz (9-9-9-24)
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti (ASUStek Computer Inc)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 PRO Series
    WDC WD1002FAEX-00Y9A0
Not sure what the generic HD Audio driver is for.

One other thing before the "last resort" (I assume it worked OK at one time). Uninstall the RealTek AND the drivers. Then when you restart Windows will install the generic HD Audio Drivers. See if it works with that. If not, two things either there is a hardware problem with the RealTek or you will have to do a complete reinstall. I don't like to recommend reinstalls as I know they are a hassle, but that is the "last resort" assuming the hardware is OK.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
Not sure what the generic HD Audio driver is for.

One other thing before the "last resort" (I assume it worked OK at one time). Uninstall the RealTek AND the drivers. Then when you restart Windows will install the generic HD Audio Drivers. See if it works with that. If not, two things either there is a hardware problem with the RealTek or you will have to do a complete reinstall. I don't like to recommend reinstalls as I know they are a hassle, but that is the "last resort" assuming the hardware is OK.
Well, unfortunately I had to reinstall Windows as last resort, but it finally worked ;)
Thank you for all the support.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 4670K @ 3.40GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. Z87N-WIFI (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 799MHz (9-9-9-24)
    Graphics Card(s)
    2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti (ASUStek Computer Inc)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 PRO Series
    WDC WD1002FAEX-00Y9A0
Too bad, but that was the "last resort".
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
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