Tecra M2 - No sound using Win XP

Question

Hi. Im from the states by the way. I couldn't get logged into the other Toshiba forums. (Don't ask.) So ill just seek help here.
I have an Audio/Speaker/Sound Card Problem. I'm not sure which one it is, if any. I have a Toshiba Tecra M2,
Not sure what model. Under my laptop it just says Tecra M2. Made in China. I got it off a friend, dont know where he got it.
After i got it, i installed Windows XP Home sp3. Updated some hardware that couldn't find drivers and everything works great
except for my sound. I have a proper driver installed, no yellow exclamation warnings anywhere. I have checked and double checked
and triple checked all the volumes and mute options. The volume knob on the front of the laptop is turned up.
I have installed these UAA hotfixes
passed verification KB888111WXPSP2 on 1/21/2010
passed verification KB888111WXPSP3 on 2/2/2010
passed verification KB898461 on 1/20/2010
Went to Administrative Tools >> Services >> Windows Audio is Started and Automatic.
I have installed the Chipset utility first, and re-installed my audio driver. Still not fixed.
I do get sound through the headphones. But the jack is all tore up, looks like someone took a screwdriver
and dug around in it. The headphone plug doesn't even snap in snug like it should, it just wiggles around.
So i have to move the plug around untill i find that right spot, and the sound will play through the headphones, but the slightest bump
to it will cut the sound off the headphones. I tried moving the plug in and out of the jack, to unstick any stuck sensors in there,
(if there is any left in there.) That didn't work.
So i figured i would bypass headphones and internal speakers, and just buy some USB external portable speakers.
so i did, and they dont play any sound either! I'm at a dead end. The only thing i can think of, is if i update my
motherboard's BIOS, and maybe the sound will kick in. I checked my current BIOS settings, there is nothing about Audio or Sound. But i dont know what BIOS file to get in the downloads. If someone could help me there i would apreciate that too.
If anyone has anymore ideas on how to fix this, please, PLEASE offer any advice you can think of. Thank you.
Here is some info about my Toshiba Tecra M2 Laptop.
Operating System
Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 3 (build 2600)
Multimedia
SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio
Driver Date: 9/1/2004
Driver Version: 5.12.1.5240
If you need any more info, just tell me what to get.

Answer 1

i was wondering.. is there a wire or cable connected to the headphone jack, inside the laptop?
Look at this pic, its the inside of a Tecra M2 (my laptop)
http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/ToshibaM2/disassembly/big/Toshiba-Tecra-M2-teardown-15.jpg
At the bottom right corner, that is where you plug in your 3.5mm headphone plug. I want to disconnect the cable inside that makes that whole thing work. So if its unplugged, then that stuck switch in there wont be reconized, right? and the internal speakers will play?
I hope i can do that.