external sound devices not recognized

[Kando]

64bit Windows 7 Enterprise machine, 8gb ram, updated audio drivers (realtek), working speakers, good wired and wireless connections.

When the computer plays sounds, either music or training videos or Lync/Adobe connect meetings and headsets (analog or usb) or external speakers (usb) are connected, they are ignored/no recognized. The sounds continue to play through the built-in speakers. We have tried multiple headsets, and speakers, rebooted, updated the drivers, we can't updated Windows due to company policy, but it is as up to date as possible. I went through and checked the settings but don't see anything that says to ignore external devices or only use the internal speakers. What am I missing? Is there a setting I did not find?

Thanks

[DaveLembke]

Are you able to get to control panel, and then sound properties, or are you locked out of it due to corporate GP etc?

[Kando]

control panel is not a problem and I have the admin password if needed.

[Kando]

Group policy does affect some things, but sound and video are not part of that set. The company WANTS the users to be able to take training and attend meetings using their laptops.

[patio]

If company policy dictates not being able to do driver updates then everything will fall on deaf ears i'm afraid...

[Kando]

nice pun.

No, group policy does not affect the sound or video drivers. It will prevent the regular user from installing drivers they have downloaded. I have the admin password and account that will let me do the installs and updates.

So, any ideas why headsets and external speakers don't work? If they are plugged into another laptop they work just fine.

[patio]

Check Device Manager....any Yellow !!'s ? ?

Anything muted in Control Panel/Sounds ?

[Kando]

Nothing muted, all devices working correctly.

Tried earphones, mic-headset, external speakers, iphone earbuds, the only thing that plays music are the internal speakers.

[Kando]

Ok, the basics worked. Deleted the sound drivers, and installed the latest version from the Lenovo site. Now the external devices are recognized and work correctly.