Problem

When JAWS is running no sound is heard by the end user.

Application

Although primarily helpful for JAWS customers this approach may be applied to any software that uses sound including those mentioned below.

·       JAWS

·       ZoomText

·       Fusion

·       Openbook

·       Claroread

·       Texthelp Read & Write

Resolution

Below are some sound troubleshooting tips to fix a JAWS that is running but no  speech can be heard.  Below are possible scenarios with a solution for that scenario to work through.

Soundcard muted

1.       Open SNDVOL.EXE app for the volume panel.

2.       Along the bottom check the buttons next to each slider, any that show a red circle with a line through next to the loudspeaker symbol indicates the channel is muted.  Click to unmute the channel.

3.       If speech is not heard ensure that either main volume or the slider for FSSynth level is not set to zero.

Speech on demand is enabled

With speech on demand enabled no automatic screen reading takes place unless explicitly commanded by the user. 

Use keyboard shortcut JAWSKEY+SPACE followed by letter S to enable full speech.

Incorrect soundcard selected

1.       Open the JAWS window by clicking the taskbar or system tray icon.

2.       Open Utilities > Soundcard and choose another soundcard to see if this fixes the problem.

Headphones plugged in

Conventionally when headphones are plugged in they defeat the loudspeaker output. 

·       If the customer uses external speakers check headphones are not plugged into the speakers muting the sound.

·       If the customer has external speakers with headphone socket unplug headphones from there.

·       If none of the above help and they use external speakers it may be necessary to check whether wired connection between PC base unit and external speakers are connected.

Soundcard Testing 

Use the steps below to independently of JAWS that sound is working.

1.       Open Control Panel, then click the view by dropdown and select either small icons or large icons.

2.       Then double click Sound item and click Playback tab.

3.       Double click the main soundcard if that can be identified then click Advanced tab.

4.       Then click the Play button to the right of the sample rate and bit depth dropdown.

5.       Sound should be heard in each speaker or headphone earpiece to indicate soundcard is operational.

Error: could not play sound

When clicking the Play button an error may be posted to the effect sound could not be played. 

1.       Open a command prompt as Administrator then enter the commands below and press ENTER to repair Windows:

SFC.EXE /scannoe

DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

2.       Upon completion restart the affected machine and check sound again.