What's wrong with my laptops headphone jack?

[ShatteredWings]

I only get audio from the right side of headphones. Even ones that I know work on other devices.

What did I do, and how do I fix it?

Im running this (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+-+Laptop+/+AMD+Turion%26%23153%3B+II+X2+Processor+/+15.6%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Velvet+Blue/1250655.p?id=1218242897223&skuId=1250655&st=NV53A%20AMD%20Turion%20(tm)%20II%20X2%20Processor%20P540&cp=1&lp=3) on windows seven.

I think it's a hardware issue.

Oh. The built in speakers are working fine (even though I've managed to spill wax on them - long story) so I really think it's something localized. Did I manage to get dust in it or something?

[anonymous53]

Most likely a bad jack, if it's attached to the motherboard you're sol. If it's a separate board connected via a cable you can buy a new one to install yourself.

[ShatteredWings]

It's only stopped working in the past week though. Yea, it's the one attached.

[TheMatrix]

Hmmm....
Go to the sound settings, and look for "Balance". Make sure the slider is in the middle.
Or, you could try to not plug it in completely, but leave just a little space. Adjust until you get it working again.
And if that doesn't work - then I don't know. Brandon?

[ShatteredWings]

Where the fuck is that on win7? It's idiotproof on vista but idk where to find it on this.
Leaving it a "little" out has the issue of 'it no stay there' because technology is a butch and a half.
Hm... Im gonna check my warranty info, it hasn't been a year yet I might be able to take it to bestbuy andsee if they can fix it?

[TheMatrix]

Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound.
And it should be somewhere in there, I think.

[ShatteredWings]

You'd think it would be there.... I don't even know if it's an option on Win7.
Though it's definately the port. I managed to get both sides working for about 3 seconds before I lost the connection.

Is it possible I just managed to get something logged in it (pet hair....) and there's a way to fix that?

[Infidelitas]

Is it possible I just managed to get something logged in it (pet hair....) and there's a way to fix that?

I have loads of dust and shit in mine, mine works, but you could try getting a can of compressed air in there, wouldnt hurt

[TheMatrix]

I have loads of dust and shit in mine, mine works, but you could try getting a can of compressed air in there, wouldnt hurt
Remember not to hold it upside down when spraying, or you'll be even further from home ;)

[Fear]

A lot of laptops have some silly problem with headphone jacks or built in microphones. Possibly a bad jack, or something has got in their, or the audio file has only been recorded for the one side.