Volume Permanently Muted

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Volume Permanently Muted

I encountered the same battery issue as many people have posted in the last couple months (here's an example: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2247796&tstart=0) where my battery has all the sudden stopped charging. I have chalked it up as a dead battery, and have been content just keeping my laptop plugged in.

I started my laptop this morning and have no audio/volume control now. Using the volume adjustment keys (F3, F4, F5), the icon pops up, but it is grayed out and shows a circle with a slash through it (I guess indicating I don't have control of volume?). When I go into System Preferences -> Sound, in each of the windows (Sound Effects, Output, Input) the "Mute" box at the bottom is checked, but grayed out and I am not able to uncheck it.

Could this be related to the battery issue? I wouldn't think so, but it's coincidental that the two issues have come up around the same time.

Thanks!

Powerbook G4, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Dec 20, 2009 12:52 PM

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Answer 1

cpobrien55 Author

Level 1

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Dec 20, 2009 12:58 PM in response to cpobrien55

I should add, I also tried to play music in iTunes - songs won't even play. If I hit the play button, nothing happens. Watching the timeline, it's clear the song isn't playing (and clearly I can't hear anything). Not sure if this is related either.

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Answer 2

louie

Level 4

2,950 points

Dec 23, 2009 6:26 PM in response to cpobrien55

I would say there are no pat answers based on the scant information you provide, so no replies. Some more information might help, such as:
-what CPU speed is your Powerbook G4?
-How long have you been running without the battery?
-Do you leave the dead battery in the computer?
-what are the battery specs (use System Profiler (Apple/About This Mac/More info))?
-Have you tried resetting the PRAM and PMU?
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1431
-Can you try a known good battery?
-When you look at the Sound preference output pane, what does it say the active output is (internal speakers?)
-Is there a red light glowing in the headphone jack? (would only apply to the last generation)

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Answer 3

cpobrien55 Author

Level 1

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Jan 2, 2010 11:24 AM in response to louie

-what CPU speed is your Powerbook G4?
Processor: 1.67 GHz (I believe)

-How long have you been running without the battery?
The battery died Nov. 12th

-Do you leave the dead battery in the computer?
I do still have the dead battery in my computer. But I have run it without the battery in at times.

-what are the battery specs (use System Profiler (Apple/About This Mac/More info))?
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 0
Charging: No
Full charge capacity (mAh): 10000
Health Information:
Cycle count: 0
Battery Installed: No
Amperage (mA): 0
Voltage (mV): 0

-Have you tried resetting the PRAM and PMU?
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1431
I reset the PMU with no luck, will try the PRAM later.

-Can you try a known good battery?
I don't have a known good battery

-When you look at the Sound preference output pane, what does it say the active output is (internal speakers?)
"No output devices found"

-Is there a red light glowing in the headphone jack? (would only apply to the last generation)
I don't see any light coming from the headphone jack

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Answer 4

louie

Level 4

2,950 points

Jan 3, 2010 11:21 PM in response to cpobrien55

Try the PRAM reset. Other things to try are to create a new account and login to that; and starting Garage Band and trying to play something (anything), which has been known to kick start the sound.
Others have reported similar problems: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8727091&#8727091

Failing those, you may have to go to a Boston area Apple Store for help.

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