Thanks for taking the time to make a suggestion---but I had already tried that and still no go......I'm using Windows Media Player as my default.

The headphones work normally when plugged into one of the desktop speakers---I even get "hum" when I rachet the volume way up with no audio being played--so a signal is present. But still no audio going out through the desktop speakers or the floor sub-woofer.

I tried Control Panel/Sounds/Hardware/Properties and everything indicates working. Trying the various MS WIN XP "sounds" also produces no results. I have a SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio sound device.

Funny about the CAPS in my first post---I am 57 and not mad--it just makes it easier to see with CAPS selected, especially at 2 in the AM when I was trying to troubleshoot. Who could know that someone out there thinks CAPS are "shouting"?? I guess I'm old and stooopid, but I'm not mad. Patience..........