I can't get sound out of my computor

[Sugarcoated]

It just comes and goes as it pleases. I checked the connections, the settings, all seems to be well. The only thing different, as far as I know, is the virus protection expired. In my paranoid mind I suspect because they want me to re-purchase it they cut effed with my sound. This can't be, right?

[salvorhardin]

1. You are paranoid

Take care of the virus protection problem first. Uninstall your current virus protection and install AVG Free instead. It's free and updates are free and it's considerably better than 90% of the commercial solutions out there.
http://www.grisoft.com/doc/40/lng/ww

As far as the sound, your cables may be bad, your speakers may be bad, or your sound card may be bad (or sound chip if its' built into the motherboard).

If you have a spare set of speakers (and cables), plug them in and see how it works.

If the sound is still cutting out then the problem is with the sound card and it needs to be replaced. If the sound is built into the motherboard, you can still buy a soundcard and install that. You can tell Windows to use your new soundcard instead of the onboard sound.

If the sound is fine with the other speakers and cables hooked up then it is either the cables or the speakers. If possible tes your old speakers with the alternate cables. If the sound is fine, then the problem was with the cables, problem solved. If the sound is still dodgy, then the problem is with the speakers and you can either buy new speakers or used the set you were testing with.

Edited for less snark.

[tkmorris]

2. Not neccessarily

Sound issues can often be caused by software. The first thing I would do is to make sure I had the latest drivers for my sound card. Go to the manufacturers web site and see what they have.

Having done that I would think on just when the sound issue appeared and attempt to determine what if anything I installed just prior.

Installing AVG free is very good advice though. It is as good as or better than any commercial product out there. Good luck!

[ConsAreLiars]

3. If it is an erratic fault, it might simply be a wiring connection

that is marginal. Follow the suggestions in post #1. I have a old set of headphones where the right channel cuts in and out. The odds that some (presumably reputable) software is designed to sabotage the sound system and gone unnoticed, except by you, is pretty remote. That said, AVG free edition is a wise choice, even if the pay-every-year alternatives are working OK and not doing any damage.