Installing 5.1 sound card? [resolved]

I've just installed a 5.1 PCI sound card, but the rear 2 speakers aren't working :eek2: I installed the drivers which came with the CD, hooked up the 3.5mm jacks according to colour, then changed the settings (using WinXP btw) in control panel / sound and audio devices to the new card + to 5.1 sound. I also have a sound card on my mobo, could that be conflicting? :ehh: I think I've covered all bases, what could be wrong? :cry: :mad:


Thanks!

Edit: Yep, that fixed it: going into control panel / sound and audio devices / hardware tab / click on each mobo audio device / disable :bigyello:

Did you disable the onboard sound ?
If so, maybe try another slot ? or try the back 2 speakers elsewhere to check they are infact working

After swapping round the jacks the 'front out' is playing my mp3, the rear and centre/sub work in my front out port, but when I do a sound check using the supplied software or using Media Player Classic I'm still not getting anything but the front 2 speakers.

Actually, when I use the supplied software which checks the speaks, it plays the front left and rear left out just the front left, same with right. But still, nothing outta the rear speakers. Confusing, no? :p Oh dear...

As much as you have bought and installed a 5.1 sound card. Many require you to actually turn on the 5.1. By default almost all cards are 2.1, factory setting.
Assuming your card came with some software, review the software and see if you can turn it to 5.1 mode.

Also, your 5.1 stereo, make sure the fade is in the center thus allowing all speakers to play. Make sure you have connected your card your amp source properly. Usually goes:

Front --> Green jack
Center/Sub --> Black Jack
Rear --> Orange Jack


Now if you are using a 5.1 set up meant for a computer, then chances are the sub contains the amp as well so all the connections are made there. It should be color coordinated.


Keep at it, post more questions but in the end you should be able to run the speaker test and hear your speakers properly, until then, you have a problem :)

I had a similar problem when I was installing my old SB Live into a Linux machine... at first I blamed it on Linux, but then I found the all mighty volume control, and Master controls only the master front, there was another one for controlling the rear.

Yeees.... very stupid me.

I checked out Genius's website, and they actually suggest checking the volumn using the Mixer program supplied. Problem is the software is a bit dodgy. It says some component are missing or something. Apparently other people have this problem with Genius Sound maker value 5.1 (PCI sound card) and Windows XP/SP2. Don't worry peeps, I'll call their tech support tomorrow about it.