What would cause the sound on my PC to become suddenly distorted?

[giddyup]

It's happened a few times now, could be looking at something on Youtube or even the chimes when I remove an USB stick, the sound becomes so distorted that speech is unrecognisable. If I restart the computer it goes back to normal, but wondering if it could be a sound card problem?

Edited June 9, 2019 by giddyup

[OneMoreFarang]

Do you use external or internal speakers?

If external then check the plug(s), that is the most likely problem.

 

If internal speakers try to connect external speakers to check if you hear the same.

If you hear the same then likely it's a sound card or driver problem.

If internal speaker bad and external ok then the speakers or internal wiring is likely the problem.

 

 

[lopburi3]

Can not resist.  ????  Believe pulling USB creates a system sound so maybe conflict with your browsing software?

[madmen]

update drivers step 1

[SteveK]

40 minutes ago, madmen said:

update drivers step 1

This.

 

Go to device manager and uninstall any audio drivers that you have, you may have more than one. Then restart the computer, and it will automatically reinstall the correct drivers. 90% of the time this should fix it.

[giddyup]

Thanks will try the uninstall tomorrow.

[giddyup]

8 hours ago, SteveK said:

This.

 

Go to device manager and uninstall any audio drivers that you have, you may have more than one. Then restart the computer, and it will automatically reinstall the correct drivers. 90% of the time this should fix it.

 

Not sure what I'm looking for here. I have Audio in Device Manager which shows the speakers and Mic. Then I have Sound, Video and game controllers. Where will I find drivers for the sound?

[Don Mega]

2 minutes ago, giddyup said:

 

 Where will I find drivers for the sound?

Device manager.

[giddyup]

Just now, Don Mega said:

Device manager.

Yes, if you see my comments above, I ask where in Device Manager.

[Don Mega]

Just now, giddyup said:

Yes, if you see my comments above, I ask where in Device Manager.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/help/4026994/windows-10-fix-sound-problems

[giddyup]

5 minutes ago, Don Mega said:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/help/4026994/windows-10-fix-sound-problems

Thanks.

[OneMoreFarang]

10 hours ago, madmen said:

update drivers step 1

Why?

If the sound always worked and the device driver was not changed recently why should it be now a problem?

 

9 hours ago, SteveK said:

Go to device manager and uninstall any audio drivers that you have, you may have more than one. Then restart the computer, and it will automatically reinstall the correct drivers. 90% of the time this should fix it.

This will work in many cases but not in all cases.

Many motherboard companies (with sound on motherboard) have special drivers which won't load automatically.

What will likely be reinstalled automatically is the "standard" Windows driver. 

 

I think if you make a suggesting like that you should tell the user that it might not work and that maybe he has to look himself to find a driver, maybe somewhere on a manufacturer pages with lots of options. 

[seancbk]

11 hours ago, SteveK said:

This.

 

Go to device manager and uninstall any audio drivers that you have, you may have more than one. Then restart the computer, and it will automatically reinstall the correct drivers. 90% of the time this should fix it.

 

Amazing that without seeing his computer you know what OS he's using.  

[exemplary21]

I have installed ransomware on your machine. Send me 7 bitcoins and the problem will go away.

[tweedledee2]

I've had similar issues as the OP when viewing videos attached to Yahoo articles, Fox News etc. several times over the last 2 months.  The first time, I updated the drivers which didn't resolve the issues. Running HP Diagnostics couldn't find a problem. After restarting the laptop everything was back to normal. So now I just restart.

[atyclb]

try an electronic parts cleaner spray on jacks and plugs while powered off. allow to evaporate before powering on.

[Tracyb]

16 minutes ago, tweedledee2 said:

I've had similar issues as the OP when viewing videos attached to Yahoo articles, Fox News etc. several times over the last 2 months.  The first time, I updated the drivers which didn't resolve the issues. Running HP Diagnostics couldn't find a problem. After restarting the laptop everything was back to normal. So now I just restart.

Maybe those Fox News videos were hacked by Russians and now, your computer is infected with right leaning malware!  ;-)

[Guest]

If you find that the sound only seems distorted at the part where the <deleted> in a mini skirt explains to the pizza delivery guy that she has no money and wonders if there is another way to pay ... ummm ... that is a pretty common problem.

[giddyup]

Moderator, please close.

[sawadee1947]

3 hours ago, tweedledee2 said:

I've had similar issues as the OP when viewing videos attached to Yahoo articles, Fox News etc. several times over the last 2 months.  The first time, I updated the drivers which didn't resolve the issues. Running HP Diagnostics couldn't find a problem. After restarting the laptop everything was back to normal. So now I just restart.

Listening to Fox NEWS????? To Fake NEWS? 

No need to fix anything 

[Guest]

14 minutes ago, giddyup said:

What I quoted is a fact, and it was in response to someone who thought 2 women kissing was a turn on. My response was appropriate to the subject. However, people who make ridiculous comments when someone is looking for assistance, that they find hilarious, but others find infantile, is not appropriate. Moderator please close, the subject is attracting the loonies.

If you tell me the operating system you use, and type of computer ... I will help you.  You see, when you ask for help, you have to meet us half way ... THAT is why you are getting these "funny" replies. You are NOT trying to help yourself!

[giddyup]

14 minutes ago, bangkokequity said:

If you tell me the operating system you use, and type of computer ... I will help you.  You see, when you ask for help, you have to meet us half way ... THAT is why you are getting these "funny" replies. You are NOT trying to help yourself!

I have had all the help I need, that's why I asked the Mod to close.

[Rimmer]

Off topic personal attack has been removed also a reply.

As per OP request topic is now

//CLOSED//