I suggest testing with external speakers or a headset, if you notice the same thing happening regardless using headset, external speakers or integrated speakers then the integrated speakers are probably fine. If on the other hand the problem only existed with the integrated speakers, then they likely need to be replaced.
Try multiple sources of media and see if the problem only happens with specific songs, movies or programs or if the problem happens pretty much all of the time.
If the problem happens all of the time, check to see how the audio in the notebook is configured. Disconnect any external speakers or headphones. Right click on the speaker icon on the task bar, choose playback devices and click speakers, IDT High Definition Audio CODEC. Click the configure button on the bottom left, change the audio channels to Stereo and click test. Do you notice the problem here? Do you notice the left speaker cutting out when Windows is showing the left speaker is playing?
If it does look like the problem isn't related to the speakers on the notebook, I certainly suggest reinstalling the IDT driver. The Windows 7/ Vista 32 and 64 bit driver may be found from the following link.
Hello, I have both windows 7 and windows 8 installed on this laptop, and the problem happens with OS's. When I plug in headphones, both ear buds sound fine. This really seems like it is a hardware problem. Is there a way to disconnect and reconnect the speakers to see if that will fix it?
There is but it does take a bit of work to do so. For instructions on removing the speakers please check out this link to the service manual.
If the notebook is under warranty shoot me a private message, just click on the link in my signature, and include your name and the service tag of the notebook.
I have had the same problem for about the last 2 years. While it's really disappointing and mildly annoying, this is my work laptop - sound isn't crucial so I haven't opened up the laptop to attempt a true fix.
But I have found that if I press down on the trim just below keyboard on either side of the touch pad (in particular below the right ALT and CTRL keys) I can get the left speaker to come back for a while. But if and sound is playing with any kind of volume, before long the 'connection' is broken again I lose the left speaker.
DELL-Terry B
4 Operator
•
3.5K Posts
0
April 16th, 2012 11:00
XadRav
I suggest testing with external speakers or a headset, if you notice the same thing happening regardless using headset, external speakers or integrated speakers then the integrated speakers are probably fine. If on the other hand the problem only existed with the integrated speakers, then they likely need to be replaced.
Try multiple sources of media and see if the problem only happens with specific songs, movies or programs or if the problem happens pretty much all of the time.
If the problem happens all of the time, check to see how the audio in the notebook is configured. Disconnect any external speakers or headphones. Right click on the speaker icon on the task bar, choose playback devices and click speakers, IDT High Definition Audio CODEC. Click the configure button on the bottom left, change the audio channels to Stereo and click test. Do you notice the problem here? Do you notice the left speaker cutting out when Windows is showing the left speaker is playing?
If it does look like the problem isn't related to the speakers on the notebook, I certainly suggest reinstalling the IDT driver. The Windows 7/ Vista 32 and 64 bit driver may be found from the following link.
www.dell.com/.../DriverFileFormats
Please let me know if this helps.
TB
XadRav
2 Posts
0
April 16th, 2012 14:00
DELL-Terry B
4 Operator
•
3.5K Posts
0
April 19th, 2012 16:00
There is but it does take a bit of work to do so. For instructions on removing the speakers please check out this link to the service manual.
If the notebook is under warranty shoot me a private message, just click on the link in my signature, and include your name and the service tag of the notebook.
TB
Stubzero
4 Posts
0
August 27th, 2012 00:00
I have the same problem and now now my left speaker has even stopped working.
sully9
1 Message
0
December 17th, 2013 08:00
I have had the same problem for about the last 2 years. While it's really disappointing and mildly annoying, this is my work laptop - sound isn't crucial so I haven't opened up the laptop to attempt a true fix.
But I have found that if I press down on the trim just below keyboard on either side of the touch pad (in particular below the right ALT and CTRL keys) I can get the left speaker to come back for a while. But if and sound is playing with any kind of volume, before long the 'connection' is broken again I lose the left speaker.