Need computer help please.

[Hotelboy]

So, I just spent two hours online with HP support and I'm no closer to finding out what the problems is with my computer.

The problem, I can't hear myspace music or video, nor any other flash based content (albinoblacksheep, youtube). Streaming music and video is fine (CNN, radio VH1, The Bear.fm), as are my players on my computer eg. iTunes and windows media.

Any ideas. I have the simple things done, like volume. Cause duh, I'm listening to iTunes right now. My drivers for my soundcard are up to date. I have the latest version of Adobe Flash player. Sounds and music are enabled from "options" in IE. I've reinstalled IE, adobe flash, all my updates and service packs are up to date, so.... where do I go from here.

HP basically doesn't have a clue how to help me. I'm just about down to blanking my computer and reinstall from my backup drive.

Thanks for any help or suggestions guys. I misses my music.

[TNT]

It appears others are having problems with Flash 9. I saw this thread on the Adobe forum:

http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/webforums/forum/messageview.cfm?forumid=44&catid=184&threadid=1175007&highlight_key=y&keyword1=no%20sound#4209759

[gbm85]

Microsoft settled a patent claim not too long ago. Apparently some jackass "patented" the idea of automatically running ActiveX controls without any user interaction *scratches head*. So if you have the latest updates from Microsoft, Internet Explorer will ask you to click on the control (Flash movie/music) before it runs. Make sure that you try that first. The other option is to install Firefox and see if it works for you there. You may need to re-install Flash after installing Firefox.

Good luck.

[Hotelboy]

Thanks guys, I'll give firefox a shot. But I forgot to mention that NONE of my windows sounds works either. EG, startup, error, newmail, etc. Adobe seems to be a common denominator for my problem, but it doesn't end there...

[gbm85]

In that case, I'd go into your control panel and open "Sounds and Audio Devices." Click on the "Audio" tab, and check that your default playback device is set correctly. Some media players (not sure specifically about iTunes or WMP) will ignore this setting, which could explain why those are still working.

[Hotelboy]

Thanks GBM, I tried that a while ago. None of the preset .wav's that come with windows will play. If I copy them into my various liabraries for iTunes or media player, I can get them to play though. When I get back from work I'm gonna try something I haven't yet. I apparently have to set my output to 5.1 or 7.1 even though I only have it connected to stereo (2) speakers right now with the 1/8" jack. I checked the output from each channel and I'm only playing the center and Sub channels. I'm guessing that these sounds and flash content must play on the left and right channels. I'm gonna pull my tower over to the stereo tonight and hook it up via the HDMI. and if that doesn't work.......