Red "X" over volume icon. No sound, unable to change default audio output.

[ajdrocker27]

I have tried everything. Uninstalling, updating, installing drivers, loading default BIOS to system. My audio still does NOT work. This happened randomly and I am at a loss for words on how to fix it. I need help from anyone! Any suggestions as to why this is happening? 

Please help. 

[DavidSMP]

Hi @ajdrocker27,

Thanks for reaching out to the HP community.  After reading your post I see that you need assistance audio issues on the computer. It will be a delight to assist you here.

Superb analysis and brilliant diagnosis of the issue before posting.  Kudos to you on that score. 🙂

For better clarity and to assist you better I would require more information regarding this:

• Did this happen after a software or Windows update?
• Did you run diagnostics for Audio on the computer?
• Did you check with a different headset?
• Let me know the complete mode# and product# of the computer to assist you better.

For now please try these steps:

• Run diagnostics on the computer’s Audio from this link: http://hp.care/2uoegKc and select the Audio option listed under component tests. This will isolate the issue to being hardware or software related.
• If diagnostics pass then perform these steps:
• Right-Click on start button> click device manager> expand sound video and game controllers>then select the sound drivers and right-click on it and uninstall the audio drivers. Then check the box delete the software for this device.
• Then restart the computer and update the bios, chipset and audio drivers from this link: http://hp.care/2syreDe and select the country and type the product# of the computer. Then follow the on-screen instructions.
• Then check if the situation has been corrected.

This should do the trick for you.

If the issue persists try these steps:

• Windows Audio is a Windows service that manages audio for Windows-based programs. If at all this service is stopped due to any reason, audio devices will not function properly.
  To fix audio services, open the run command and launch services.msc.
• In the services window search for Windows Audio and right-click on it to select Start to start the audio service.
• And ensure the Startup Type is set to Automatic.
• Click Apply and OK.

Restart the computer and check if it works.

If the issue persists, try the steps mention on this link: Click here.

This should fix the issue for you.

If Audio diagnostics fail, then contact HP phone support to get the computer serviced.

HP Technical Support can be reached by clicking on the following link: http://hp.care/2r9wSvP

• Once the support page opens please select the country in which you're located. Next, enter your HP model number on the right.
• Next, choose the 'Contact Support' tab at the top and scroll down to the bottom of the 'HP Support- Contact' page to fill out the form provided with your contact information.
• Once completed click the 'Show Options' icon on the bottom right.
• Lastly, scroll down to the bottom of the page and select 'Get phone number.' A case number and phone number will now populate for you.

They will be happy to assist you immediately.

If the unit is under warranty, the manufacturer’s warranty should take care of it for you.

Please perform all these steps patiently as it is critical to resolving the issue. Going by your technical expertise and competence I am sure you will be able to perform these steps without breaking a sweat. 

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care and have a blessed week ahead. 🙂