Nasty feedback sound through my speakers - advice requested.

[Teffy]

I am suddenly getting no sound from my Toshiba M200, except for nasty feedback when I close the tablet "lid" or press on the body between the function keys and the lid/screen.

Speakers Properties - all levels at 100%, none muted, device is enabled.

Sound window, Playback tab, "Speakers", Intel 82801DB/DBM AC'97 Audio Controller, Default Device, has a green checkmark.

Volume Mixer, the Device "Speakers" and all of the Applications sliders are at 100%.

I removed battery then the zillion screws from the tablet back and removed the back to look around (hail Mary). Nothing seemed out of place.


UPDATE: after all my fiddling, sound now plays through both the speaker and the headphones. I doubt this is a permanent fix. Please tell me your ideas.

Thanks!

[pmatulew]

The speaker and the microphone are only about an inch apart. When I first got my M200 years ago I got bit by the feedback issue a few times before I realize that somehow I was inadvertently spinning the volume thumbwheel to full blast. Upon reboot it would squeal something fierce. Very embarrassing.

My guess for your issue would be that perhaps the rheostat in the volume wheel is having issues. My current gets crackly and imprroves slightly if I spin it back and forth a few times. There used to be a cleaner/lubricating spray that could be applied to revive old components. If that doesn't work it may be time to shop for donor organs.

[Teffy]

Thanks so much for the advice! I'll try the volume dial spin/clean exercise as needed. If the problem returns, I'll look for something making an unwanted connection between the speaker and microphone.

That little speaker can sure put out an ear-shattering squeal!