ECS NForce3-a v1.0 mobo with Realtek AC'97 audio problem

[avash]

I got this mobo through the Frys combo deal earlier this month (ECS NForce3-a + Sempron 3100+). The mobo uses the realtek 655 audio codec.

Weird thing that I just discovered is that the sound balance is not as it should:
If the balance slider is to the left or center, sound comes out of both speakers. When I slide it to the right, there is no sound. I used the sound manager speaker test utility and clicking on the left speaker ran both speakers and clicking on the right gave no sound.

I tried different speakers and no difference. I have tried 3 different drivers and no change.

ECS tech support told me to re-install Windows XP .... eek! Kinda extreme but I will try it. Wanted to see if anyone else had suggestions.

 

[CrispyFried]

sounds like the jack is bad or shorted. any debris in the jack?

 

[avash]

Problem fixed. I decided that BEFORE reinstalling my O/S, I would rule out any possibility of bad jacks.

I disconnected the case's front audio jack wires from the mobo header pins and re-installed the bypass jumpers. Sound works now. I think the case's audio jacks didn't bypass properly.

Reply to CrispyFried, the rear panel jack looks good and no debris. What got me thinking that the case jacks may not be bypassing correctly is that when I plugged in my speakers to the case jacks, it worked but not when it was plugged to the rear panel.