[dzonko]

For many months now I've had increasing problems with sound on an older laptop (Acer Travelmate 2480, Win XP SP2). I've tried everything I've been able to find regarding drivers, settings, device manager, etc. and while I've been able to identify a few workarounds, there's clearly a deeper systemic problem that I can't figure out how to resolve. My sense is at this point the various bits of relevant software have stopped speaking with each other and are maybe even considering filing for divorce.

A few illustrative symptoms:

- Some output seems to be routed through the onboard speakers, others through a Logitech USB headset. Realtek system sounds seem to come through the speakers no matter how I change the settings. The "karaoke" function seems to affect all system sound, but the EQ settings don't.

- In Skype, the sound coming through the headset is almost inaudible, whereas the person on the other end can hear me fine. If I go into Skype and re-route the audio to the laptop speakers, I can hear them fine (but then so can the rest of the room).

- Music (via Windows Media Player) seems to sound fine whether through on-board speakers or headset; system sounds are extremely muted if through the headset, but normal through speakers.

- If I plug the headset in through the mini-jacks on the front, sound seems to come simultaneously through the headset and the speakers - i.e., the computer doesn't shut off the sound to the speakers.

At this point, I have to assume there are multiple issues, but I don't feel like I know enough about system architecture to know which to focus on first. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.