OK. So I formatted my hard drive tonight, and after re-installing all my drivers and software and everything, I find myself having trouble with the volume on my system. Specifically, the volume is very VERY low. As in, even when the volume is turned up to the loudest it can be, it can barely be heard.
I've checked the physical connections of the speakers to the computer, and they're all fine --- nothing dislodged. I've also made sure that all of the volume controls (like in the Control Panel) aren't on Mute or anything. It's weird -- I can hear the sound, but it's very soft.
I'm not sure what to do. Unless I should uninstall my sound card software and then re-install it? I don't know. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
[edit: problem solved. thanks anyway!]