Headphone Jack

Dyre Straits · September 16th, 2009, 02:44 AM

OK, keep in mind that this question is coming from someone who is clinically deaf.

I have connected to my PC an Altec Lansing 4-speaker system with sub-woofer. I do have all the speakers working. With my hearing aids on, I cannot understand spoken dialogue, but, I DO hear gunshots, explosions, and other noises to a point that I can somewhat enjoy the ambient noises of the PC games.

Now comes the headphone question:

With the RealTek onboard HD audio enabled, when I plug in the speakers to the back panel, the interface on the monitor shows the connector port I've plugged into and allows me to select what component I plugged in. The back panel connections are all working just fine.

But, I bought some KOSS headphones with the hope that maybe these would enhance my gaming a bit.

The problem is, when I plug in the headphone jack, the onscreen interface shows nothing....nada. I do have the front panel ports plugged into the motherboard.

So, what I'm wondering is this: If I'm using all 4 speakers in surround sound, plus the sub-woofer, do I have to disable surround sound in order to activate the front panel headphone connection?

I installed the latest RealTek HD 233 drivers just a few hours ago. It made no difference at all.

TIA for any suggestions or help.

**Regeneration** · September 16th, 2009, 02:54 AM

Realtek should detect the front panel headphones automatically. If it doesn't, check the front panel case cable and ensure it’s an HD cable (written on the header). If it says AC'97, it won't work unless you have the option to choose between HD and AC'97 (in the BIOS).

Dyre Straits · September 16th, 2009, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regeneration

Realtek should detect the front panel headphones automatically. If it doesn't, check the front panel case cable and ensure it’s an HD cable (written on the header). If it says AC'97, it won't work unless you have the option to choose between HD and AC'97 (in the BIOS).

Ahhh... thanks, Rege! That may be it. Will let you know after I've had some time to tinker some more.

**Regeneration** · September 16th, 2009, 03:10 AM

Here are some photos for your reference:

Dyre Straits · September 16th, 2009, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regeneration

Here are some photos for your reference:

My BIOS has no option to adjust/enable the Front Panel connection at all. The only option whatsoever is simply to Enable/Disable HD Audio. Very bad design!

But, I've tinkered some with this and here's what I've found so far:

First, the problem as reported is under Windows 7 RC x64.

Under Vista x86, though, the front panel jack is enabled but at the loss of the Rear Speakers.

I'm presently updating the Realtek drivers under XP Pro x86 and will update once I've finished.

Thanks so far, though.

**Regeneration** · September 16th, 2009, 05:21 AM

Sounds like a software bug.

Dyre Straits · September 16th, 2009, 07:06 AM

I'm giving some thought to putting back in the 7.1 Cmedia PCI audio card.