Laptop Microphone/speaker Problem

[thailandlover]

I am not sure what happened, I let a friend use my laptop for skype calls and possibly something she changed (or it could be a problem with the microphone/speaker system itself) has caused a feedback problem.

The only way to remove the annoying high pitched buzz is to mute the speakers and the microphone. Its also possible to diminish the buzzing noise by lowering the volume but then the volume is so low as to be almost the same as being muted.

Is this a hardware issue or is there some setting somewhere that can be changed to remove the feedback?

Running Winxp on an Acer.

[thailandlover]

nobody has a solution?

[Obiwan]

Start with the following:

Uninstall Skype, if it's the same then:

Uninstall everything to to with the soundcard from your system devices (system- hardware-devices- soundcard)

Restart windows to reinstall the drivers (maybe need your Acer setupcd if any)

If it's the same => system restore

If nothing works it may be a hardware problem.

Maybe there is a diagnostic program for your hardware in the laptop.

Good luck

Edited February 26, 2009 by Obiwan

[Guest Reimar]

Go to the sound settings in Control Panel and check the settings (recording volume) for the build in microphone. You can start to Mute the microphone by check the Mute box.

Cheers.

[thailandlover]

thanks, muting has been the only solution but since I'd like to use the microphone, not a long term solution.

I'll check to see if there is any hardware diagnostic I can run before trying the device driver uninstall. Thanks for the advice.

[Guest Reimar]

thanks, muting has been the only solution but since I'd like to use the microphone, not a long term solution.

I'll check to see if there is any hardware diagnostic I can run before trying the device driver uninstall. Thanks for the advice.

Had you try the slider for to adjust the Mic Volume? If you set the slider to 0 (down) and you still get the feedback noise, after un-mute the mic, than may the microphone has an short circuit?!

Cheers

[thailandlover]

Thanks Reimar, turning the speakers and microphone on, the sound still occurs even if the microphone is slid down to zero. I always assumed it was some kind of microphone feedback as that it is what it sounds like.

Edited February 27, 2009 by thailandlover

[Guest Reimar]

Thanks Reimar, turning the speakers and microphone on, the sound still occurs even if the microphone is slid down to zero. I always assumed it was some kind of microphone feedback as that it is what it sounds like.

May than the best is just to go to an Acer Service Center, I would suggest at Rama3 Road BKK the Acer Head Service Center. But be aware, if the machine is out of warranty, they charge THB 800.00 for service plus parts!

Good luck and cheers.