Do you offer any discounts?

Yes, AvidWorks offers multiple discounts: Student Discount, Teacher Discount, Elder Discount (60+), Healthcare Worker Discount, and First Responder Discount. All discounts equal 15% off of labor charges. Discounts do not apply to businesses, cost of replacement parts, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Do you offer referral discounts?

Yes, referrers receive 20% off of labor charges on next service and referrals receive 15% off of labor charges. Discounts do not apply to cost of replacement parts and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Do you offer a Service Guarantee?

Yes, all services are guaranteed for 30 days following the initial service date. Any parts that have been replaced and have been damaged due to abuse are not covered under this warranty.

Do you offer Emergency Services?

Yes, AvidWorks offers Emergency Drop-off and On-Site after hour services. These services incur a 50% increased hourly labor charge and are subject to availability. Emergency services are a 2 hour minimum charge with the exception of emergency remote support which is a 1 hour minimum charge.

Why is there no sound coming from my computer?

Common causes include muted volume, disconnected speakers, incorrect audio output device selected, or outdated audio drivers. Check volume controls, ensure speakers are connected and powered, and verify the correct output device is selected in settings.

How do I update my audio drivers?

On Windows, go to Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers, right-click your audio device, and select Update driver. On Mac, audio drivers are typically updated through system updates from the App Store.

What should I do if my speakers are making crackling or static sounds?

Crackling sounds can indicate loose connections, driver issues, or hardware problems. Check all cable connections, update audio drivers, test with different speakers or headphones, and if the issue persists, the speakers or sound card may need repair or replacement.

How to Troubleshoot Audio and Sound Issues

Audio problems can be incredibly frustrating, whether you're trying to join a video conference, watch a video, or listen to music. The good news is that most sound issues have straightforward solutions. Follow this systematic troubleshooting approach to identify and fix audio problems on your computer.

Start with the Basics

Before diving into complex troubleshooting, check these simple fixes first:

Check volume – Ensure volume isn't muted or set too low on both your computer and speakers
Check connections – Verify speakers/headphones are properly plugged in
Test different audio – Try playing different files or applications to rule out a specific file issue
Restart your computer – This clears temporary glitches and resets audio services
Check for Bluetooth – If using Bluetooth audio, ensure it's connected and charged

Windows Audio Troubleshooting

Check Audio Output Device

Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select "Open Sound Settings" or "Sounds." Ensure the correct output device is selected. Windows sometimes switches to a different device automatically.

Run Windows Audio Troubleshooter

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Select "Playing Audio" and run the troubleshooter. This automated tool can detect and fix common audio problems.

Update Audio Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of audio issues. Go to Device Manager, expand "Sound, video and game controllers," right-click your audio device, and select "Update driver." You can also download the latest drivers from your manufacturer's website.

Restart Windows Audio Service

Press Windows+R, type "services.msc," and press Enter. Find "Windows Audio" in the list, right-click it, and select "Restart." This restarts the audio subsystem.

Mac Audio Troubleshooting

Check Sound Output

Click the Apple menu, go to System Preferences > Sound, and check the Output tab. Ensure the correct device is selected and the output volume is up.

Reset Core Audio

Open Terminal and enter "sudo killall coreaudiod" (you'll need your password). This restarts the Mac's audio system and can resolve many audio glitches.

Check Audio MIDI Setup

Open Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup. Verify that your audio device is configured correctly and that the format and sample rate match your device's capabilities.

Reset NVRAM/PRAM

Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately hold Command+Option+P+R for about 20 seconds. This resets hardware settings including audio configuration.

Hardware-Specific Issues

Speakers Not Working

Test speakers on another device to rule out speaker failure. Check for blown fuses in powered speakers. Ensure speakers are powered on and not in standby mode.

Headphone Issues

Test headphones on another device. Check for debris in the headphone jack. For wireless headphones, ensure they're charged and properly paired. Try different audio ports if available.

Microphone Problems

Check that the correct input device is selected in sound settings. Test the microphone in different applications. Ensure microphone privacy settings allow apps to access the microphone.

Application-Specific Issues

Sometimes audio works in some applications but not others:

Check app settings – Ensure the app isn't muted and has the correct output device selected
Update the application – Outdated apps can have audio compatibility issues
Restart the application – Clear app-specific audio glitches
Check for conflicts – Some apps take exclusive control of audio devices

When to Seek Professional Help

Some audio issues require professional repair:

No audio after trying all troubleshooting steps
Audio port physical damage
Intermittent audio that suggests hardware failure
Audio issues after physical damage to the computer
Complex audio setups requiring professional configuration

Need Help with Audio Issues?

AvidWorks provides audio troubleshooting and repair services for computers in Kern County. Whether it's a simple configuration issue or hardware repair, we'll get your sound working again.