I can only use my speakers like headphones- as the sound is so low. I have a C-Media AC97 Audio Device and UBL Pro Speakers that I think were from another computer. Do I need speakers that are compliant with my Soundcard? (I bought this PC second hand from a small worlshop and it must have been built up from different parts-not a problem but in the time I have used it I have never got the sound to work properly

There are three possibilities. 1. a driver issue. Update the sound drivers. 2. If the soundcard is a separate PCI card then replace it. Similar soundcards can be purchased for a few dollars. 3. The external speakers. Are they powered or do they draw power from the PC? If they are not separately powered then ditch them for a powered set. If they are powered can you test them in another PC to confirm that they aren't the problem? If the soundcard is onboard and you eliminate the drivers and speakers as sources of the problem then your motherboard is the culprit. In that case if you have an available PCI slot then instal a separate soundcard. Goin' Fishin' (Some day)

Excellent advice by Richard. I would have to start with #3.

There appear to be several different kinds of 'UBL pro' speakers. At least some are powered but some may not be. Your computer is going to expect you to have powered speakers--they don't waste their time anymore with onboard amplifiers. As already mentioned, that's the most likely cause. But if that checks out OK, well, have you checked the volume settings in control panel?

thank you very much for your answers. Yes these speakers were never powered. In fact I am pretty sure they came with my first PC in '98 and I think they still work with them if I ever use it (sometimes I have to to use the scanner which doesn't work on this machine). In Control Panel the sound card is supposed to be working without problem .So next thing I will hunt down a set of powered speakers and surely that will do the trick. thanks again