Not all the speakers are working but they are not muted

Question

volume level is not very loud,  you can hear it but it is not very loud. i have tried raising the volume through the mixer and it shows levels at maximum volume but out of the four bars shown only two actually have sound and the other two are not muted they just show maximum volume but don't work.  i have gone in through the control panel and i just can not figure out what the problem is!

Answer 1

Welcome to the Forum.
This is for Windows 7 - Vista setup is probably very similar, though getting to the menu may be slightly different.
First, Find your Sound Icon in your Task Bar -right click on the Sound Icon
Sound --> Playback --> Properties --> Enhancements
Note the Example below shows Enhancements "Disabled".
You can "UNCHECK" that box, and select "Loudness Equalization"
to try that as a means to fix your "low" sound issue.
You will read two schools of thought on the Forum on this setting: "Enhancements"
1. Setting "Enhancments" --> Loudness Equalization will improve sound and balance music from one song to the next
2. Leave "Enhancements" Disabled, including the Loudness Equalization setting
Disable OR Select "Loudness Equalization" and click OK
Try it.  See if it works.
If it works, you are done.  If not, then UNDO the change, and continue below:
The next thing to consider:
Windows 7 has a "Feature" that turns down the sound when you use your PC to make a phone call.  Unfortunately, it appears that this feature can activate at other times and soften your sound when you don't wish to do so.
Possible Workaround:
Sound --> Playback Devices --> Communications
Select "Do Nothing"
Click OK
You will probably have to reboot for this one to take effect. 
It works for some people, not everyone.  No guarentees.
Last Tip:
Make sure all drivers are up to date.  Out of date drivers can get in the way of good performance.  Which drivers you need depends on your system model and your operating system (Windows 7 32/64bit, Vista...).  If you have HP Support Assistant (the latest version on your system, it's easy to get to your software and driver page.  Ask if you need help to update to the latest version of HP Support Assistant...
Hope this helps.
Good Luck!
Kind Regards,
Dragon-Fur