Volume Settings

• While checking the volume settings may seem too obvious, it's not unusual for the computer's sound to be muted or turned down accidentally. Check your PC's volume controls, which can be found by clicking on the small speaker icon on the right-hand side of your taskbar. If your icon is missing, you can go to your computer's Control Panel and choose the "Sound" option. Test and change your computer's sound configuration there.
  
  

Faulty Output Device

• Just like any other piece of hardware, headphones and speakers can break. If you are certain that your volume settings are not muted, try using a different set of speakers or headphones to test your audio hardware.
  
  

Virus or Malware

• If you're experiencing choppy sound along with slow computer performance, it may be that a hidden virus or malware is running on your computer. These programs use up your computer's CPU processes, making it difficult to run legitimate programs such as media players. Use a virus scanner regularly to keep your computer clean.
  
  

Media Player Conflicts

• Sometimes when you attempt to run more than one application that uses the same media drivers, you will lose sound on your computer. By shutting down the two conflicting applications and restarting only one, you may be able to resolve audio issues.
  
  

Incompatible Media Player

• Make sure that you have the latest version of the media player installed, and keep in mind that not all types of files will play on every media player.
  
  

Sound Card Drivers

• Check to make sure that the drivers on your sound card is up to date. You can see what kind of sound card you have by looking under "Sound, video and game controllers" in your computer's Device Manager. Go to the website of your sound card's developer to download the newest drivers, if applicable.