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CD Audio Does Not Play in Windows 98, Me, and XP

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This document applies to Windows 98, Me, and XP.
This document helps resolve problems when no sound comes from the speakers while playing a music CD.
NOTE: If your computer does not play any sounds through the speakers, see HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - PC has no sound .
NOTE: If you are trying to play an audio CD created with a computer (a CD burner drive), and the audio disc does not play in a home or car stereo , create the CD using CD-R discs. Then make sure to close the session after burning. Most newer CD-burning software programs close the session automatically when you select Create a Music CD . You can also decrease the burn speed to 4x, 2x, or even 1x to increase compatibility with home and car players.
NOTE: If some CDs work correctly, but others do not, especially those created on a computer, this document will not help you. Most likely the issue is with media compatibility or scratches on the CD.
Step 1: Checking the volume settings
  1. Double-click the small Volume icon in the taskbar.
    • If the Volume icon is missing in Windows XP, click Start , click Control Panel , click Sounds , Speech , and Audio Devices , and then click Sound and Audio Devices .
      On the Volume tab, click Place volume icon in the taskbar, and then click OK .
      Figure 1: Volume icon
      Volume icon
    • If the Volume icon is missing in Windows 98 or Me, click Start , click Settings , click Control Panel , and then click Sounds and Multi Media . Select Show volume icon in taskbar and click OK .
  2. You can adjust or mute the volume for CD Player or Aux . Remove any checkmarks from the Mute boxes and adjust the volume levels to the highest positions.
    Figure 2: CD Volume window
    CD Volume window
  3. Close the Master Volume window and test for sound using Windows Media Player and a music CD. If the sound problem still exists, continue to the next step.
Step 2: Disabling digital audio
Many CD drives do not use digital playback and might not even have a digital cable attached. Use the following steps to disable digital CD playback:
NOTE: Performing the steps in this section disables only the signal processing for the digital audio cable and forces Windows to process audio through the normal data channels. It does not disable normal CD audio.
  1. Use one of the following methods to open the CD drive properties.
    • Windows XP
      1. Right-click My Computer , and click Properties .
      2. Click the Hardware tab and select Device Manager.
      3. Click the plus (+) next to CD-ROM and select the name of the CD drive.
      4. Click Action and then select Properties .
    • Windows ME
      1. Right-click My Computer , and click Properties .
      2. Click the Device Manager tab.
      3. Click the plus (+) next to CD-ROM and select the name of the CD drive.
      4. Click Properties and select the Properties tab.
    • Windows 98
      1. Click Start , and then click Settings .
      2. Click Control Panel , and double-click Multimedia .
      3. Click the CD Music tab.
      4. Click Properties and select the Properties tab.
  2. Remove the checkmark from Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device .
    Figure 3: Option to enable digital CD audio
    Option to enable digital CD audio
  3. Click OK .
  4. Restart the computer and test for sound using Windows Media Player and a music CD. If the sound problem still exists, continue to the next step.
CAUTION: This product contains components that can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). To reduce the chance of ESD damage, work over a noncarpeted floor, use a static dissipative work surface (such as a conductive foam pad), and wear an ESD wrist strap connected to a grounded surface.
CAUTION: Do not change any jumper setting while the system is running. Damage to the motherboard might result.
Step 3: Verifying a CD sound cable is installed
Use this section to resolve sound problems when setting up a new computer .
NOTE: Many computers do not come with a sound cable. Use these steps to find out if a cable is installed and connected correctly.
Music played from a CD might depend on a special cable that runs from the back of the disc drive to the sound card inside the computer (see Figure 4).
NOTE: HP cannot be held liable for damage resulting from incorrect installation of software and parts, or the installation of parts or software that was not supplied by HP.
Before beginning, you need the following items:
  • A screwdriver.
  • An antistatic wrist strap and a conductive pad to protect the computer from discharges of static electricity
  • A flat, stable work surface over a floor that is not carpeted
Use the following steps to verify the sound cable is installed:
  1. Unplug the power cable and press the power button on the front of the computer.
  2. Remove the panel retaining screws.
    Figure 4: Example of possible location of the retaining screws
    Example of possible location of the retaining screws
  3. Slide the panels off to expose the inside of the computer.
    Figure 5: Removing the panel
    Removing the panel
  4. If the cable exists, it will be a cable consisting of two thin wires connected from the back of the CD drive to a CD audio connector on the sound card or the motherboard.
    Figure 6: CD sound cable connected to sound card
    CD sound cable connected to sound card
  5. If the cable is detached, connect it. If the sound cable is damaged, replace it. CD sound cables are available at most local computer retailers at minimal cost. When purchasing a new CD sound cable, make sure that both connectors on the cable match the connectors on the sound card and the disc drive.
  6. When done, replace the panel and plug in the power cable.
    Test for sound using Windows Media Player and a music CD.
Related support
NOTE: If the steps in this document failed to resolve the issue, the computer sound card or optical drive might be bad. If your computer was purchased after 2001, it might include the PC Doctor program. Use the PC Doctor to help verify sound card or optical drive failures before calling support or repairing the computer. Use the HP support document HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Using PC Doctor (in English) to learn more about testing for audio failures. If you receive an error code after running a test, contact support for further assistance. Note the error code number and provide it to the support agent.


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