Loss of Sounds

Hi:

I am no longer able to get any sounds. Such as when I hit the CapsLock key on my MS keyboard, or when trying to play .mp3 files with iTunes or VLC Media Player.

The default communication device is Realtek High Definition Audio on a Dell desktop:
When using Control Panel>Hardware and Sound, Sound | Playback tab >Speakers>Speaker Properties>Advanced, hitting the Test button, I do hear two variable tones over my speakers.

Also have DELL P2314T High Definition Audio Device:
I believe this problem began on 9/29/2021 11:30 AM at which time a driver service was added (NVHDA) according to the Events log. The following is shown within the Information panel of the High Definition Audio Device Properties:
"Device HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10DE&DEV_0051&SUBSYS_10DE1032&REV_1001\5&177f7a54&0&0001 requires further installation. "

When using Control Panel>Hardware and Sound; Sound | Playback tab >DELL P2314T Properties>Advanced, hitting the Test button, I do NOT hear two variable tones over my speakers.

Any suggestion on how I should proceed in troubleshooting this problem is welcomed.

The Dell supplied Realtek driver should be used. We find, on the Dell forums, reinstalling the Dell driver fixes a lot of sound problems.

Dell Realtek Driver

In the Sound setup, if you are using regular PC speakers (not HDMI audio) "Speakers (Realtek) should be set as the Output/Playback device and Stereo Mix set as Input/Recording device.

@fireberd: I changed the Sound Output setting to Speakers (Realtek High Definition... and now am getting system audio and VLC playback audio. So, my original problem has been solved, and I can again enjoy .mp3 audio file playback. Thanks a bunch. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________
But I have other concerns to which I invite comments from anyone:

I have also reset the Input setting to Stereo Mix (Reaktek High Definitio... ; however, what is meant here as the Input device? I do not have any microphone connected (at present), and only have a cheap mono mic around here, somewhere. So, I don't think the Input setting is important at this time.

I still am wondering about the DELL P2314T Sound>Playback, however. When I right-click on DELL P2314T and then select Test, I do NOT hear any sound but do see a rising and falling bar graph display. Shouldn't I hear a test audio clip ??

The DELL P2314T monitor does not have a built-in camera, and I do not know if there is a built-in speaker. Will need to investigate that further, if I can locate documentation.

That monitor has an audio out port that could be used if you were using HDMI audio. Probably reason it shows up. You can ignore it.
Here is the link to the Dell manual: Dell P2314T/P2714T Monitor User's Guide

In ref to Stereo Mix.. With that set, any external audio input/mic would be heard.

Got it!

I found documentation; it is always wise to read the manual .....
I wrote tech manuals under DoD and FAA contracts for many years.

I wrote tech documentation for Apollo tracking station Telemetry equipment when I worked for a NASA Contractor (Bendix Field Engineering). I used to "fight" with the tech writers as they would change procedures to be grammatically correct but change the written procedure.

I'm now a retired Regional Network and Help Desk manager for SSA.