Volume is mute and volume indicator is at maximum with "�" symbol under it

Some users have been experiencing no sound through their main speakers, even with no devices plugged into the audio ports, and upon trying to change the volume the on-screen indicator shows with the volume level at its maximum with a "ø" symbol underneath it.

MacFixIt reader Tim writes:

"After the QuickTime/iMovie/iDVD update I've come across a problem.  My audio volume icon has disappeared from the top of the finder screen.  When I try to turn up the volume with my keyboard I see a gray color speaker with a circle and line through it."

The audio jack has a switch in it that turns off the audio to the internal speakers when a plug is inserted; however, a faulty or "stuck" switch can result in the audio no longer working. Additionally, in many of Apple's computers the digital audio is routed through a combination minijack that is used for both optical and electrical audio signals. As such, the optical audio light will turn on when it thinks an optical jack is present, which is why some users notice a small red light in the jack. When this happens, the mac no longer controls the volume since the jack only serves to relay the audio signal. This is why the "ø" symbol appears on the mac screen.

Fix

You will need to unstick the button that indicates to the computer the audio port has a plug inserted. Doing this requires gentle massaging of the button's components with a small probe, so if you are not certain about the procedure or your abilities then take the computer to a shop.

The first thing to try is to repeatedly insert a headphone plug and hope that is enough to unstick the switch. For some users, doing this has helped, but for others a slightly stronger approach has been needed:

1. Get a small dowel-like object, such as a toothpick (plastic is recommended so it wont inadvertently break off in the jack).
2. Open the Sound system preferences and select the "Output" tab. This will indicate when the button gets unstuck, as it will eventually read "internal speakers" instead of "line-out" or "headphones".
3. Insert the toothpick straight into the jack until it barely touches the back of the jack.
4. Angle the toothpick down so the end that is in the jack gently but firmly presses against the BOTTOM of the jack.
5. While maintaining gentle pressure on the bottom of the jack, wiggle the toothpick back and forth against the sides of the jack, ensuring you maintain pressure against the bottom. Continue this process until the red light goes off and the system preferences change to read "internal speaker". This process can take a while (10-15 minutes for some users to get it just right), but patience and maintaining a soft touch is key.

Meanwhile, some users have reported that resetting the PRAM has worked to resolve this issue. To do this, shut down your Mac, then start it back up while immediately holding the following keys: Command, Option, P and R. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the third time.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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