Windows 10: Suddenly all things sound related have gone haywire

I have been gaming online alot recently and had my sound setup exactly as I wanted it albeit it took effort working out how to get it there. If my headset with microphone was plugged in, I would hear the sound through them and if I unplugged the headset, the sound would then come from the speakers. Then suddenly yesterday, having not updated anything, I had all sorts of issues. The sound played through the headset, but if I unplugged them, no sound came from the speakers, and if I plugged them back in the headset wouldn't restart giving sound. In order to then get sound from my headset I then had to close down whatever I was listening to itunes or COD MW and upon restarting them the sound would work again. But I also have the added problem now that microphone has stopped working when in game, all that anyone else can hear is loud static. I have tried to troubleshoot the microphone, but it registers the static as sound and says they are working at 100%... despite the fact I never speak into it! Then finally, about half an hour ago, having 'tested' my speakers repeatedly, the left one no longer makes sound but I have no reason to think that the speaker is broken. Does anyone have any help or advice please? 24 hours ago I was a happy gamer with a setup that worked for me and now I can't do a damn thing and for apparently no good reason. Any help appreciated.

:)

 

Sound Quality

One thing that sticks out from looking at your "My Computer" specs. You list "ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)" which suggests you do not have the correct sound hardware driver. Your motherboard has Realtek sound and the first step is to install the Realtek sound drivers. My ASUS also came with Sonic Studio 2 which is a sound enhancement package. Check the ASUS install disc to see if you have something similar.

May not be a speaker problem.

 

Good surround sound headset

I know you say you're not that guy, but stepping into the $250+ range really brings a change in build quality that might have you never having to buy another set. Otherwise, getting 6 speakers with decent sound in a headset is hard, and that's what you are asking for, and I have no suggestions, but just a bump up the list. *Stick Out Tongue

 

Why did the startup window get cleared?

I didn't missed any step, the list was gone and gone , even after using lot of programs the programs were not listed in that list.