How do I Troubleshoot a Creative Soundcard?
- 1). Click on the "Start" button on your computer's tool bar, then click "Settings." Next, click on "Control Panel," then "Sound and Audio Devices." Check the volume slider and make sure it is not all the way down, or the mute box is checked. Click "Advanced" under "Device Volume" and make sure the box next to "Digital Output Only" is not checked.
- 2). Click on the "Audio" tab at the top of the "Sound and Devices" window. Make sure that the Creative SoundBlaster drive is the default selection. Next, make sure you select the box "Use only default selection." Then click the "Hardware" tab and verify that the Creative Soundblaster card is active. Highlight the Creative Soundblaster card and click "Properties" to verify the card status. If the card is still not working, you will need to install the latest drivers.
- 3). Go to Creative.com. Click on the "Support" tab at the top of the screen. Click on the image for "Sound Cards." Next, locate your sound card model. Download the latest drivers for your operating system from the website. Install the new drivers and restart your computer. Additionally, you should also update the BIOS drivers for your motherboard if applicable.
- 4). Test your sound card after reinstalling the drivers by clicking on the "Speaker" icon on your computers toolbar. If the sound card is working properly, you should hear a ding sound when adjusting the volume. If it is working, try testing the sound with a pair of headphones to make sure each side is properly working. If you do not hear anything, check the physical installation of the card. Make sure you connect the speakers correctly and that you installed the card into the correct PCI or USB slot. If the card is still not working, try testing it in a different computer.