An audio playback device enables your computer to play sounds and music.
Many computers are sold with an operating system pre-installed and set up, and you can often own a computer for years without having to install an audio playback device. However, certain maintenance tasks can cause an audio device to stop working. Some users may wish to upgrade their computer's sound system by adding a new sound card. While each operating system has a slightly different look and feel, the same basic process can be followed to add an audio device.
Instructions
1. Install your audio hardware (sound card), if required, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Audio hardware takes the form of either a chip attached to the motherboard or a separate, removable card plugged into the motherboard. Unless you are adding a new sound card, the audio hardware is installed when the computer is manufactured.
2. Open an audio file (or a video file that you know should have sound) to test audio playback on your computer. Use a well-known application for this, if possible, such as Windows Media Player or itunes. The speakers or headphones must be connected and switched on with the volume turned up for this test. If you can hear a sound, the audio playback device is working correctly and you won't need to take any further steps to install it.
3. Install software drivers for the device, preferably by downloading the latest driver files from the manufacturer's website. Most reputable device manufacturers will provide a download area from which the relevant files can be downloaded.
4. Restart the computer and then retest audio playback using a trusted audio player. If a sound can still not be heard, shut down the computer and verify that the hardware is inserted correctly.
Tags: audio playback, audio playback device, playback device, sound card, adding sound