Need Assistance

[budodave]

I am a Teacher with an Intel IMAC lab running OS X 10.6.3. IN the past 6 months I have had several of my IMAC's stop playing sound through the headphone Jack for external speakers and sometimes the headphones. Does anyone have any idea why? Is this a glitch with the IMAC's?

Thanks

[MrCheeto]

1. Are the speakers always plugged in?

2. Are you sure they are getting to the right port?

3. Have you adjusted the volume AFTER plugging in headphones/speakers?

[miles01110]

Maybe. What programs are running when the sound cuts out?

[budodave]

Speakers are almost always plugged in.

Yes, I have tried adjusting the volume levels at various times.

Checked system preferences and the output has one choice. Internal speakers - built in output.

It does not appear to be application specific. Mostly noticed on I-Tunes and Youtube.

[MrCheeto]

If your speakers are plugged in and turned on and you see only this in preferences, then check to make sure they are in the right port and are inserted fully.

http://grab.by/grabs/f861d7d192e969ab8137f3bb2558212e.png

[budodave]

Just checked.. it appears that the plug is inserted all the way. It even clicks when pushed into place. Still do not hear anything on the external speakers.

what concerns me is that this is not the only computer that is doing it.

[MrCheeto]

In my opinion, if it still says "built-in output" while a cable is plugged in:

1. It is not plugged into the correct port
2. The port is busted and it will not detect anything

[budodave]

Seems strange that that many ports would go bad. Thats why I was wondering if it is a "glitch" or "flaw" in the systems.

[MrCheeto]

I would try going to Disk Utility and repairing permissions, then restarting. If that does not help, create a new account and log into it and test it.