Mac Mini Model 1176 - No sound, auxiliary connected

1. Check Power and Cables

Verify the speakers are powered on and the power LED is on.

If there is not a separate power button, turn the volume dial as this may also be used to power on the speakers.

If the speakers are still not receiving power, reseat the power cable into the speakers.

Verify the Ac Adapter is securely connected to the mains power socket. If the Adapter is connected to an extension block, remove from the extension and connect directly to the mains power socket.

Replace the Ac Adapter with a verified working adapter of the same model and type, if available.

2. Re-seat Audio Cables

Verify the audio cables are connected to the computer.

Re-seat the audio cables going into the computer and going into the speakers.

Verify if the computer has a sound card in an expansion slot, or if integrated audio is used. An add-in sound card would normally take priority.

Make sure the audio cable is connected to the correct port.

For Integrated Audio (the audio ports are connected to the Motherboard), the Audio cable going to the speakers should be connected to the Line Out port (Highlighted by the red square above), on the rear of the system.

Check there are no headphones connected to the computer in both the front or rear ports, which would mute the audio going to the speakers.

If available, try another set of working speakers or headphones to test if sound is coming from either port, and likewise test the speakers or headphones on another system that is known to be working.

3. Check Volume Levels

Verify the volume is not muted by checking the Volume Control icon on the taskbar.

Right click on the Sound icon on the taskbar and select Playback devices.

Make sure the Speaker/Headphones device has a green tick which indicates the device is enabled and ready for use. (A red down arrow indicates that no device is plugged in)

Highlight a device and select Configure to change the type of speaker setup you have installed. (You cannot configure headphones, only speakers)

Right click on a device icon and select Test to test the audio on this device, a short tune is played back.

Navigate to the Communications Tab and select the correct options for your device.

Right click on the Speakers/Headphones icon and select Properties.

Check each tab, General, Levels, Enhancements and Advanced and make sure the options are set to your desired settings.

4. Check Device Drivers

Navigate to the Device Manager and verify the Sound driver is not disabled:

Click Start and then "right-click" on My Computer or Computer (XP, Vista, Win 7). Select Properties.

In the left-hand panel, Select Device Manager.

For Windows 8 and 10, right click on the Start button and select Device Manager

Navigate to "Sound, video and game controllers", and expand the section.

Make sure there are no drivers with a Red Cross (X) or Yellow Explanation mark (!)

If there are, please navigate to the latest drivers for your system.

"Right-click" each device and make sure it is not disabled. A disabled device will show a downward black arrow on the device icon.

5. Run Diagnostics

Run DirectX Diagnostics

Run the DirectX Diagnostics tool.

Select Start and enter dxdiag into the search box.

Select dxdiag.exe which will open the DirectX Diagnostic tool window.

Select Sound 1 & then Sound 2

Any errors will show in the bottom Note box.

Run Dell Online Diagnostics

Run the Dell Online Diagnostic tool.

Refer to the Dell Support Site and run the Dell Online Diagnostics, this link will take you there: Dell Online Diagnostics.

Enter your Service Tag, for a more personalised experience.

Select the Choose a diagnostic test tab, scroll down and put a tick in the Sound card box

Select Test Selected Devices

Take a note of any errors that are returned from the diagnostics and give them to your Dell Technical Representative

6. Reseat Sound Card

If your system uses an expansion card for sound, this can be re-seated to make sure it is connected correctly to the system. The steps below will take you through this process or alternatively watch our video below detailing a video card replacement which will show the same steps required. (Note: This video is in English only).

During installation or removal of any hardware always ensure all data is backed up properly.

Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer.

Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.

Remove the system cover.

Rotate the release tab on the card-retention latch upward

Gently pull the release lever away from the PCIe x16 card until you release the securing tab from the dent in the card, and then ease the card up and out of its connector and remove it from the system.

Lift the PCI expansion card up and out of its connector and remove it from the system.

Reverse the procedures above to refit the Sound Card back into the system making sure it connects firmly with PCIe port on the Motherboard.