Windows 8.1 Volume Issue

The volume is very low on my new HP laptop. Everything seems set OK...here's what I got...any ideas at all?

BTW, I did search, both here and the net and found nothing specific to 8.1

 

My wife's laptop has the same issue. Very hard to watch Netflix. As far as I know, a set of amplified speakers is about all you can do. Fortunately, they're not expensive.

 

Had the same problem with our old laptop, Windows 7, but there was a setting somewhere I changed and it enhanced the volume nicely. That was a year and a half ago so I don't remember which setting or where it was.

 

Plug in a mini portable speaker. Mine cost about $20

 

I appreciate the advice on using speakers and may have to go that route but I was wondering if there was a setting that needs to be on/off or adjusted?