Q: how do I turn off optical digital-out port?

Well subsequent to my earlier comments I find that the system reverts to no internal speakers and by running iTunes and plugging in headphones, waiting till I hear through them, and then unplugging them the internal speakers re-appear! I guess a patch is imminent. 

When I saw your comment I was like: I should try this, but I am sure it won't work. i thought wrong!! thank you so much!!!

Hello there

somedays ago my optical output in my Macbook stopped working. Now when I plug an optical cable and then press the keys for turning down or up the volume I have the prohibit symbol on the screen telling me that this action is not allow.

with an analogue audio cable I have no issue.

do you know what’s the problem?

my macbook is a mid 2010 running the latest OS.

thanks in advance for your help.

Regards

Tried  (on my iMac) plugging in/unplugging headphones and it didn't work.   I just stuck a long toothpick in the headphone jack on my iMac and it fixed it right away.  The red light turned off and the sound started again.

It´s crazy but I actually tried it and it worked THANKS ... last time this happened I had to take it to tec support

legend! would love to be able to thank you with a 6 pack of beers, but an online message will have to do

I just do the same thing, plug and unplug the headphone and success! Thanks everyone!

holy crap, it worked. THANK YOU. That was BAFFLING!