My Labtec Speakers Won't Work

Labtec manufactures a wide range of computer speakers, including 2.1 channel setups with included subwoofers and simpler, 2-channel speaker solutions. Troubleshooting speakers grows more complex as more speakers are involved; a surround-sound speaker set has more pieces that may be causing a malfunction. Labtec has both AC-powered speakers and USB-powered speakers, and the troubleshooting steps for both are a little different.
Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions1
Examine all cable connections. Make sure you have the speakers plugged into your sound card's audio output slot and not the microphone or audio-in jack. Make sure you have the power connection for standard speakers plugged in tightly and that the outlet has power. If you have multiple speakers, make sure you have them connected to one another as necessary. Sometimes, the right speaker or the subwoofer powers the left speaker; if you don't have the left speaker connected properly, it won't receive power.
2
Adjust the sound levels on your PC. Click on the volume icon beside the clock in the system tray. Make sure the sound isn't muted. Click on "Mixer" to open advanced options and verify that you have all of the levels turned up. Under "Device," click the speaker icon. Click the checkbox beside "enable this device." For older versions of Windows, go to "Control Panel" and select "Sounds and Audio Devices." Check that your computer is using the sound card for audio output; sometimes connecting a USB headset changes your computer's output selection and this may disable the sound. If you aren't using USB speakers, skip the next step.
3
Click "Start," type "Device Manager" in the search box and press "Enter." If your computer is earlier than Windows 7, click "Start," select the "Control Panel" and click the "Device Manager" under the "Hardware" tab.



Expand the options beside "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" and look for "Labtec USB Composite Device." If you see a yellow or red exclamation point beside this device, you don't have it configured correctly. Even if no error displays, it is still a good idea to reinstall the speaker's drivers.



Remove the entry "Labtec USB Composite Device" under "Universal Serial Bus Controllers." Expand "Human Interface Devices" and remove "Labtec HID Audio Controls." Expand the "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" and remove "Labtec USB Audio." Disconnect the Labtec speakers. Restart your computer, reconnect the speakers and let Windows automatically reinstall the drivers.
4
Connect the speakers to a device other than your computer. If the speakers work when connected to an MP3 player, for example, then the problem is your computer's sound card. If the speakers won't work with another device, they may have damage and you will need to replace the speakers.
5
Reposition your speakers if they are playing sound but have a buzzing or popping noise in addition to the desired output. Interference from other electrical devices may degrade the sound quality. If the speakers are multi-channel, examine the speakers and verify that you use all input cables.