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General discussion

I have lost audio input on my iBook

Jan 9, 2008 11:28AM PST

1.2 G4 iBook running Tiger 10.4.11, 1.25 gigs RAM

I went to use SKYPE the other day and my microphone on my iBook wouldn't work. I switched over to a logitech USB Skype headset and the microphone wouldn't work on that either. Any ideas what might be going on?

Audio out still works (still plays music and skype calls coming in).

thanks all

grim

Discussion is locked

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(NT) Tried a Shutdown and Restart?
Jan 9, 2008 8:48PM PST
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Sure did
Jan 9, 2008 11:25PM PST

All I can think of is my OS has become corrupted (but I'm not having any problems anyplace else). All I can think to do is archive and reinstall the OS.

Could it be a hardware issue? What would I do to test for it?

danke

grim

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Hardware test is on the install disk
Jan 10, 2008 10:16AM PST

I think. USB won't work and neither will the internal mic, so perhaps your drivers or preferences are not set up correctly... You know, try a microphone by using the audio input port and see if it works or not. Maybe you've used it and didn't switch the microphone back to something else and it screwed up...

Is Skype the only app affected? What happens in apps like GarageBand?

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Audio input port?
Jan 10, 2008 11:18AM PST

I'm figuring it is a corrupted audio driver but on an iBook thats been used constantly for almost 3 years now it could always be a problem on the board. I just don't know how to test specifically for such a problem if it's a hardware issue.

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My bad on the port
Jan 10, 2008 12:26PM PST

I know I have one on my MBP, but PowerBooks and MacBook Pros alike have more ports than the smaller portables. Bad assumption. I could have looked at the broken iBook I have to check but I can't stand to be near it. Broken Macs break my heart Sad. LOL.

Have you tried the OS X disc? Leopard's Hardware Test app is right up in the Utilities bar, but I just remember that from the last time I cleaned my notebook, and you said you use Tiger anyway. You could take it to Apple if you can't find the specified drivers, supposing they are corrupted. Googling iBook audio drivers doesn't turn up much either, save a bunch of Linux forums. Linux ought to have their own computer manufacturer instead of being like MS. Then you can choose between a Mac, a PC, and a Penguin Grin.
PowerPC laptops were not always stable, and seeing that yours has endured considerable use, it would be no surprise if it is just giving out. Then you could go get a MacBook should you choose... Oh well. See if Apple can do something for you, since they can do almost anything LOL.

-BMF

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Archive and Install
Jan 10, 2008 8:41PM PST

It's not a big job, as you know, and it will eliminate the corrupt OS Software issue.

Try it and move on from there depending on the results.

I don't suppose it could be anything as simple as having the Volume turned down/off/muted in the System Preferences/Sound?

Just a thought


P

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I figured that was my next step.
Jan 11, 2008 12:18AM PST

System Preferences was the first place I checked when I had the problem.

Great minds think alike. Grin

Also, the USB headset has to be designated as the audio input when you plug it in so I became aware of what this panel looks like, lat year when I bought the headset.

Thanks all for everyones input and I will update you after I A&I as to what happened.

grim

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Well I archived and reinstalled...
Jan 19, 2008 4:23PM PST

and the usb microphone works but the internal microphone on the bezel of the screen still won't work. I also did a hardware check with the original utility disc I got with my computer and it showed nothing wrong. I guess the is a possibility that something happened to the mic when I had the iBook disassembled to replace the hard drive. I will have to go back over the assembly/disassembly instructions and see if there is a chance something got disconnected and never put back in place.

I'm puzzled... any idea's?

grim

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I don't recall you mentioning
Jan 20, 2008 12:06AM PST

the take apart.

It is very possible that you either damaged or did not reconnect the mic.

P

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?
Jan 20, 2008 2:31AM PST

I posted several threads about my HD going bad and the process of replacing it back in October. You don't remember those ? Sniff sniff...
Happy

Yes, it is possible the connection became damaged but I suspect it more likely that it came loose. I was rather amazed by the connections on the mobo when I originally tore apart my iBook. Many of them were so loose fitting that the factory used tape to hold them in place. I reused the same tape the factory supplied. Perhaps I should have used new? If that is the case... as any type of tape suitable? I have several industrial size rolls of Duck Tape laying around the house.
Wink

If Duck Tape isn't suitable then what kind of tape is?

grim

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I have a small roll of Kapton tape for such items.
Jan 20, 2008 3:36AM PST
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(NT) Thanks Bob
Jan 20, 2008 5:13AM PST
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Of course I remember,
Jan 20, 2008 8:52PM PST

how could one forget such a momentous event.

I was actually referring to this particular thread. Happy

Duck Tape if fine, be sure to use plenty of it. Try not to use it on those parts that get warm though, it turns into a sticky mess when hot.

Of course, you could wimp out and use that kapton stuff that Bob suggested. Happy

P

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I found the problem !
Jan 20, 2008 11:58PM PST

The Duck Tape I was using to hold the screen onto the laptop was covering the microphone ! Pulling some of it off immediately fixed the audio problem plus I can now tell what the time and date is again!

Grin

Just kidding........... if I took the Duck Tape off, the screen would fall off, and then how would I work?

Wink