Computer Savvy, Help!

[Lizz612]

So I'm sitting here with my nearly one year old Toshiba Satellite and the little speakers that I love so dearly are making popping noises.
*POP* and the speakers stop working, I plug in the head phones and get a *tuck tuck tuck* noise that reminds me of a heart beat. This *tuck* noise can be controlled with the little dial on the outside of the computer, but not any of the controls on the screen. Then just as suddenly...
*POP* and the sound in both the headphones and the speakers returns as though nothing happened.

Its been doing this for a few days now and its getting worse. :cry: I know practically nothing about computers except that it seems like a hardware problem. I don't know if i can give up my laptop for very long seeing as I go back to college soon. Please give me some idea as to what might be going on!

[salvorhardin]

1. Sounds like a short

could be a short or break, possibly in the headphone jack. May also be a problem with the audio section on the motherboard. Definitely seems like a hardware problem though. If possible, remove all audio drivers from the device manager and reinstall them to help make sure it isn't a software problem.

[Lizz612]

8. Could you walk me through that a little more?

I'm a quick learner, but how do I do this?

Also, If something is wrong with the mother board how long and how much would it cost? Any idea?

[RodneyCK2]

2. It could also be your sound card shorting out...

the best test is to try and plug them into another computer, get a buddies and try them. If it continues then the problem is in the speakers. Sound cards are easy to replace and there is a nice range in prices. Good luck..

[DS1]

3. it's a laptop

I think

[RodneyCK2]

7. Oh sorry, I missed that part...

then it gets a little trickier. I would run it into Circuit City or one of those computer techy friendly places, maybe BestBuy, and see if someone will test them for you. If it is really annoying, then check your manufacturer and warranty.

You can also plug in additional/other speakers to your laptop for home use. Not a sure thing fix for on-the-go, but at least you will have clear sound.

I have been turning away from laptops for this various reason. I build computers so I know how things, components, go bad from time to time. Computers are a snap to fix, just open up and replace the parts. Laptops on the other hand, all the parts are basically made to fit, so your options are limited. It is also harder to pop the top and have a look around.

[Lizz612]

5. The speakers are built in

Thats why I love them so dearly. ;) They take up no room.

[DS1]

4. if it's nearly one year old, doesn't the warranty cover this?

[Lizz612]

6. I think it should

But I'm worried about how long it would take to fix this, I go back to college 1200+ miles away in less than three weeks.

[RodneyCK2]

9. Depends on the manufacture. You need to check your documentation or...

find the manufacturer on the web and locate their policies.

Most manufacturer warranties, these days, are 12 months parts and labor, if you are lucky.