How do I enable headphone audio through a jackplug connection?

jondemassey · May 13, 2013

I know I sound really dumb. But I have been listening to music on my PC for a couple of years and the speakers work, but I never tried headphones. Today I did .....and no sound is coming out..

I am using Windows Vista on an unmodified 4-year-old Dell.

The headphone connection is a simple jackplug socket, but it doesn't even give a "crackle" in my headphones when I connect it.

The sound software is Realtek HD Audio Manager. But I can find nothing in this that "enables" headphones.

There is nothing in Device Manager about headphones that I recognise.

What do I need to do to enable my headphone jackplug audio connection please?

Thanx Jonde

plodr · May 13, 2013

If you are using the front headphone jack, try the one in the back. Sometimes the one in the front is not wired properly.
Also, try the headphones elsewhere to be sure the headphones work.

Headphones are plug and play. When the jack is inserted, the sound comes out of the headphones instead of the speakers.

jondemassey · May 15, 2013

plodr said: ↑

If you are using the front headphone jack, try the one in the back. Sometimes the one in the front is not wired properly.
Also, try the headphones elsewhere to be sure the headphones work.

Headphones are plug and play. When the jack is inserted, the sound comes out of the headphones instead of the speakers.
Click to expand...

Hi Plodr.
I have tried every jack socket (there are 6 altogether) .....nothing!

Well; except the sound still comes out of the speakers. Does that indicate anything please?

Thanx Jonde.

mdonah · May 15, 2013

What is the service tag number of your Dell? If you enter the Service Tag here, you may be able to download a user manual in PDF format that may answer your question.

plodr · May 15, 2013

1. You never mentioned if you tried the headphones elsewhere so we don't know if they work.
2. Borrow headphones from a friend and test in the front port and the light blue port on the back.

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How do I enable headphone audio through a jackplug connection?

jondemassey Private E-2

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

jondemassey Private E-2

mdonah Major Geek Extraordinaire

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member