My earphones will only work if held firmly into the laptop headphone jack

[Michelle_MB]

I have recently purchased a HP Notebook 15 da0072na, product number:8UJ70EA#ABU. Today I discovered that the headphone jack will not hold my earphones in place and only works if the earphones are constantly and firmly pushed in and held in place.

[Echo_Lake]

@Michelle_MB

Thank you for posting on the HP Support Community.

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, I have a few troubleshooting steps we could try to fix the issue:  

Check the following issues to troubleshoot headphones or a headset:

1. Software: If the device came with software, make sure it is installed properly and is compatible with Windows 8.

2. Power: If the device operates on battery power, make sure the batteries are correctly seated and are functional. If the device operates on external power, make sure all the power connections are secure and the power cord is connected to a power source.

3. Volume: If the device has a volume control, make sure it is turned up halfway.

4. Connection: Connect and disconnect the device from the computer port.

   • USB connector: If the device uses a USB connector, disconnect and reconnect the USB connector to the computer. If the computer still does not recognize the device, try plugging the USB connector into a different port on the computer.

   • Jack connector: If the device uses a jack connector, disconnect and reconnect the jack connector to the computer. Most importantly, make sure the jack connector type you are using is compatible with your computer.

     Two types of headphone connectors are available on HP computers. One supports only sound to the headphones, and the other supports sound to the headphones and the use of a microphone. The connectors are marked with symbols next them.

     • Connectors on the computer marked with only a headset , support output sound only and work with a standard three-pin headphone or a four-pin headphone, for sound.

       Figure : Standard three-pin plug

       

     • Connectors on the computer marked with a headset with a microphone support sound and the use of a microphone when used with a headset with a four-pin plug and a microphone.

       Figure : Four-pin plug

       

     To hear sound, either plug can be used with either connector. Using a four-pin plug that is capable of supporting a microphone in a three-pin connector allows sound to be heard, but the microphone does not work because the computer's three-pin connector does not support a microphone.

     NOTE: 

     Some devices use a mini jack connector. This smaller connector is not compatible with HP computers and you might need an adaptor in order to use your device. Also, using an adaptor might affect the quality of the audio. This does not mean that your computer has a problem. 

     Figure : Example of a jack adapter 

     

5. Make sure that the jack connector is connected to the correct port:

   Digital audio jack ports

   Analog audio jack ports are color coded. Common color coding is shown below, however, colors can vary.

   1. Microphone jack port

   2. Headphones jack port

   

   Newer computers might also have a headset (combination headphones and microphone) port. The headset port has a headset  icon next to the port. This port can be used for headsets, headphones, and microphones.

   Gray, Black and Orange (side, rear, c/sub) are for speakers.

   

   Pink (mic) is for microphones.

   Green (out) is for headphones.

   Blue (in) is for audio input (like DVD players, tape players, and other sound producing devices).

6. Connect the headphones or headset to an alternative device (such as, another computer) and try to use it.

   • If the device functions correctly when connected to the alternative device, then the problem might be a driver or computer recognition issue. Continue to the next section to check for an update to the audio driver.

   • If the device does not function correctly when connected to the alternative device, then the device might be malfunctioning.

7. For headset compatibility, you might also want to check the section of this article called Headsets: Checking for computer port compatibility.

Updating the audio driver

If the headphones or headset device is not functioning with your computer, updating the audio driver can sometimes resolve the problem. Follow these steps to check for and install audio driver updates:

1. Connect to the Internet.

2. From the Start screen, type device manager to open the Search charm, then select Device Manager from the search results.

   Figure : Device Manager search results

   

3. Double-click Sound, video and game controllers.

4. Right-click the name of the sound hardware and select Update Driver Software.

   Figure : Update Driver Software option in Device Manager

   

5. Click Search automatically for updated driver software and wait for Windows to update the driver software.

   Figure : Updated Driver Software: Search automatically for updated driver software

   

6. Windows checks to see if updated driver software is available.

   If an update is available, let Windows install the update.

7. When the update is installed successfully, close the Updater and test the device.

   Figure : Windows has successfully updated your driver software

   

8. If there was no update available or updating the driver did not resolve the issue, continue to the next section.

Using the Windows troubleshooting tool

The troubleshooting tool can fix common problems with audio playback. Follow these steps to use the Troubleshooting tool:

1. From the Start screen, type troubleshooting to open the Search charm, then select Troubleshooting from the search results.

   Figure : Troubleshooting search results

   

2. Under Hardware and Sound, click Troubleshoot audio playback.

   Figure : Troubleshoot audio playback

   

3. The Playing Audio window opens. Click Next.

   Figure : Playing Audio window

   

4. A new window opens. Select the device you want to troubleshoot. Then click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.

   Figure : Select device to troubleshoot

   

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.