Computer question: Why'd the volume knob on my Dell desktop stop working?
 

Computer question: Why'd the volume knob on my Dell desktop stop working?

I've tried to research this on various forums and can't find an answer. I have a volume knob and mute button on my old Dell multimedia keyboard. They've always worked until a week or so ago. I didn't make any major changes to anything, but now the knob and button are inoperative. The keyboard also has some shortcut buttons and they're still working. There's also no volume indicator on the lower task bar even though it's turned on in the control panel.

I have my stereo hooked up to my computer and stream Pandora. Now if I get a phone call I have to reach for the stereo volume knob. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Lee,

My son the computer tech says, "Re-install your audio driver, and maybe your keyboard driver while you're at it. The lack of the volume indicator seems to point to a software glitch."

Les

My volume icon disappears after a few weeks even if I use it every few days. Just uncheck the 'place in taskbar' box, hit apply, then recheck and re-apply it. It's a hassle but I have yet to figure out why Windows sees it as an unused icon.

What OS are you using? Have you installed any new software or hardware recently? Also. See if Dell has an updated driver on its website.

OS is XP Home. I did add a new external hard drive recently, but I'm thinking it was working after that.

I reinstalled drivers for the keyboard and for the sound card. Still not working.

Check all connections? (very long shot)... If its not the drivers... The knob itself may have died....

Maybe, but I'd think it was odd that the knob and the mute button went out at the same time.

The two may be on a circuit together. Got another computer you can try it on?

Could it be the keyboard buttons themselves? Do you know someone that has another Dell keyboard you can try for a minute or two? Maybe someone spilled some soda or a beer? Is it in an dirty or dusty environment? Have you ever cleaned the keyboard? With the computer off, turn the keyboard over and gently tap it to get the big chunks out and then use compressed air. If you are feeling adventurous you may want to try to take the board apart and see if the contacts are crudded up.