Weird PC audio problem... anyone ever heard of or experienced this?
 

Several days ago my PC picked up an odd audio problem. Switching audio players kills all sound until I reboot.

For instance if I've been listening to Winamp and close it, then later click a link that launches audio not only will it not work, if I relaunch Winamp or any other audio program it won't work. Any video or onscreen time / status displays continue as normal, just no sound. Rebooting restores sound, but only for the first use of audio. Winamp doesn't even have to be in the equation. If I use "preview" in a p2p program that kills it for audio for all other programs until I reboot.

AFAIK the only program I've recently installed that had anything remotely to do with audio was a binary newsreader that I didn't like and uninstalled.

Glad no one else has experienced this, it sucks :upsidedow

Sounds like the audio drivers aren't releasing the hardware - probably corrupted.

Uninstall your audio drivers completly, reboot, then reinstall the latest drivers. Should take care of the issue.

If it doesn't, borrow a sound card from someone/another machine and try it. Might be the card is going bad.

Was gonna say the same thing, sounds like the drivers are fucked. Uninstall / Re-install them and it should be solved.

I don't like sound so I don't even have a sound card in the machine

It doesn't have to be an audio program to mess with your audio drivers. Re install them and you will probably be fine.

I couldn't even imagine that. My PC is plugged into my surround system and is as much a part of my entertainment center as the TV. The radio stations around here either have boring uninspired corporate playlists or cater to right-wing conservatives. Online streaming truly is the best thing since sliced bread :upsidedow

Well, replacing the drivers didn't work:(

I was able to switch from Winamp to Windows Media Player, but once I tried to play a video embedded on a webpage all audio was again knocked out awaiting reboot... :Oh crap