I have a Compaq laptop nx6110 connected to a toshiba USB hub/docking station (it looks like a mini-tower). I have harman/kardon speakers (though I don’t know the model) connecting to the hub. Oh, and I’m running XP professional. I replaced the speakers at the hub with my ipod head phones and I still have this static noise. I looked at the device manager and the only thing with an X through it was some net adapter which I enabled. I reloaded the sound driver through HP.com. I’ve restarted many times and I still have static. What’s wrong? Is it the hub? The cords are all in place with no fraying. Any advice?
ETA: oh, and when I remove the hub from my lap top the laptop’s sound seems fine, so I guess it’s the hub, but I didn’t think that could happen…
Try plugging the speakers directly into the computer (both the port the hub is plugged into and a different one). I’ll bet it’s either the hub itself or one specific port on the hub that’s got a loose connection somewhere.
You know, I think it’s the hub/docking station. The speakers work fine when they are plugged into the laptop itself. For some reason, with the hub plugged in, the speaker outlet on the laptop doesn’t work.
Some computers have a ‘digital audio out’ port that uses the same connector (3.5mm / 1/8") but is for use with digital speakers. Make sure you’re plugged into the right place.