Currently, the two most common specifications for the operation of various computer audio devices are AC'97 and HD Audio. The second of them should replace the first, but this process has not yet been completed, therefore, both architectures exist at the same time. Many motherboard manufacturers put a setting in the BIOS, with which the user can choose the specification for the inputs and outputs of audio devices on the front panel of the computer's system unit.
Instructions
Step 1
The latest versions of operating systems use drivers designed to work with the HD Audio architecture by default. Therefore, if after using, for example, Windows XP SP2, you installed Windows 7 and found that the headphone and microphone jacks on the front panel stopped working, it is likely that this is the case. However, before moving on to solving the problem at the motherboard level, try to fix it using the OS itself. First, make sure that the Realtec driver is installed, which can work not only with the "native" AC'97 format, but also with HD Audio. Second, try disabling the auto-detect front panel option in your Realtec control panel settings - often this is enough to fix the problem.
Step 2
If the measures given in the first step do not work, look for the AC'97 / HD Audio switch in the settings of the basic input / output system - BIOS. To do this, initiate a computer restart from the main menu of the system and press the Delete or F2 key after starting a new boot cycle. Some computers use different combinations to enter the BIOS settings panel, so if these keys do not work, check the correct combination in the description of your version of the basic I / O system. You can often recognize it from the inscription that appears in the lower left corner of the screen during the boot process.
Step 3
In the BIOS settings panel, find the line with the setting related to the front panel. For example, in versions from AMI, it can be placed on the Advanced tab and formulated as Front Panel Type. Change the value in this line - if the panel connectors do not work with the HD Audio value, replace it with AC'97 or vice versa. Then exit the BIOS settings by saving the changes you made. If the desired setting is not found in your version of the base system, it is possible that the switching is done mechanically, using a jumper on the motherboard.
