BIOS update killed sound from headphone jack

Yup, as mentioned in the original post, I have already reinstalled the Conexant driver in your link - nothing changes.

Also, I'm sorry to say this, but the Dell diagnostic Utilities are all but useless. (I had already tried them before posting, actually, but at your request, ran the utility again) In my case specifically, the 'speaker' test plays the sounds fine, but  from my laptop speakers. (the headphones are plugged in). So, for that test, I hit 'fail'. the mic test uses the laptop mic, and plays back fine with laptop speakers, so that test passes.

The test results tell me 'Your audio device did not pass one or more diagnostic tests. Most sound issues are due to software or hardware configuration and can be resolved immediately.'    <== uh, sure, I guess I pretty much knew my audio was shot, already.

The knowledge base directs me to windows' support utilities. I run those, too (already knowing nothing will change because I went through all of this yesterday.) Control panel says device is working properly. Headphone is connected properly. Power and volume settings are fine. Troubleshooter could not identify the problem, because as i've already tried to make clear, the system simply isn't detecting anything jacked in the port. 

Dell's startup page also doesn't allow for much hardware config unlike other BIOS pages. So for now, it looks like I'm stuck - any actual constructive things I can do instead of messing around with useless generic troubleshooters?

Hi faceplantcat,

I will be glad to help you. Request you to use the below link and update audio drivers if no external sound devices or additional devices are not installed:

http://dell.to/16PRc1M

If the issue still persists, you may then try connecting a Microphone in the same port and record an audio on any Microsoft application or Skype to check if there is an issue with the port.

Then you may also use the below link to run hardware diagnostics by selecting symptom and then No sound:

http://dell.to/PQAV4Y

Note: Dell donot recommend downgrade of BIOS

Make a note of the error code that appears (if any)

Do reply with your answers.

Also, I'm sorry to say this, but the Dell diagnostic Utilities are all but useless.

That's true. There is one diagnostic that actually was very useful but for some reason Dell has been phasing it out. If by any chance it came on your laptop, run the Dell (32 bit) Diagnostics audio test. Dell 32 bit Diagnostics was designed to separate hardware from software problems. If some component does not work during the audio tests then that is due to a hardware failure. Note that the PSA tests will run prior to the Dell 32 bit Diagnostics. The PSA tests play system tones and those do not go to the headphone jack so it is normal to not hear anything in headphones during PSA tests. However Dell 32 bit Diagnostics does play through the headphones if they are plugged in.

The problem with the other Dell diagnostics tests is that they run in Windows, using Windows drivers, so you can't easily determine if a problem is in the hardware, the driver, or Windows itself. Another alternative to using those tests is to test the audio while booted up in Linux as that eliminates Windows as the problem. A third alternative is to restore the laptop to its original factory configuration. That will solve software problems and any remaining problems are in the hardware. Note that the restoration will not affect the BIOS but it might allow you to install the older BIOS. BTW, the regulars here recommend not updating the BIOS on a Dell laptop that has no warranty unless told to do so by a Dell employee. If instructed to do so then any damage that results will be covered by Dell.

If you have a hardware failure, it is most likely in the jack which is replaceable on your model. But it might be easier just to get an inexpensive usb audio interface as a workaround.

On the software side of things, I can't think of how the BIOS update would have turned off the headphone jack. There is an issue on the Vostro 1400 model where several owners have reported that after updating to Windows 7 on that model, the speakers work but no audio through the headphone jack. But that model has the old Sigmatel audio and I would think any issues with it would be unrelated to a Conexant issue. One thing you might try is to use the Windows native audio driver. If the headphones don't work using that driver then it would be another indication of hardware failure. To install the native driver, use "uninstall a program" or "programs & features" in the Control Panel. Remove the Conexant driver and reboot. Repeat the process until all downloaded Conexant driver versions have been removed, then Windows will install the native driver.

If the issue still persists, you may then try connecting a Microphone in the same port and record an audio on any Microsoft application or Skype to check if there is an issue with the port.

That might not be a useful test if it passes. Conceivably the microphone input part of the combo jack could work while the output part doesn't. But it would be instructive if faceplantcat tried this test and it failed. But note, to test the mic jack part of a combo jack you have to have either a smart phone headset with a 4 segmented plug, or an adapter cable, which most people do not have. A normal computer mic will not work in a combo jack in a Dell laptop.

I stuck in a earphone/mic from a phone - nothing is detected as well. will try other stuff... but i really don't think it's a hardware failure

Hmmm so I managed to boot in DOS and flash the BIOS back to A05. The problem still persists. (In this case, I guess the thread title might be kinda misleading - should it be changed? mods, anyone?)

I guess for now my only option is to go usb audio, which will really be inconvenient - but not much I can do, I guess. Is there a definitive way to confirm that it's a hardware issue though?

Is there a definitive way to confirm that it's a hardware issue though?

Replace the suspected part with a known working part. If that fixes it then the old part had failed.

Hi all,

I found this post while I was searching for a solution for the same issue.

I find that I get stuck into the same problem as faceplantcat did.

I am using Dell Vostro V131, windows 8.1 64 bit.

My earphone had worked well before I tried to update BIOS to version A06. (I'm pretty sure this is the problem)

After the update, the laptop did not recognize the earphone. I tried many ways to fix it even re-install Windows but it didn't help at all.

Just like faceplantcat, I don't think it is the hardware issue because it works normally before I made the update and I did nothing else.

I want to ask if anyone find out any solution for this issue yet? Cause I find that the post is marked as "Not answered."

Looking forward to hear from you guys soon.

Thank you!

Chris

Hey Chris!

No, my problem was never solved - eventually the laptop gave out to water damage. I still have no idea whether it was the BIOS flash that killed my audio out, or if it was just a very strange coincidence.

Depending on how important it is to you, I guess you could have the part (audio jack) replaced fairly easily and see whether that's the issue. I'm guessing the warranty on your machine should have run out by now?

Did anyone ever check the BIOS settings to see if the if maybe it had been disabled??