USB Headphones Detected by Windows but No Sound Output (All USB Audio Devices)

Eid Bin Fahad 0 Reputation points
2026-06-30T00:48:58+00:00

I'm experiencing an issue with Windows where any USB or USB-C headset is detected correctly, but no audio is played through the headset.

System:

  • Windows 11
  • ASUS laptop

Problem:

  • Windows detects the USB headset correctly and displays its name.
  • The headset can be selected as the default playback device.
  • However, no sound comes out of the headset.
  • The green audio level indicator does not move when audio is playing.
  • This happens with multiple USB headsets and USB-C headsets, so it is not a headset hardware issue.
  • 3.5mm analog headsets work normally.
  • USB devices such as keyboards and mice work correctly.
  • Bluetooth headsets are also detected but have the same problem (no audio output).

Things I've already tried:

  • Restarted the PC.
  • Reinstalled audio drivers.
  • Updated and rolled back audio drivers.
  • Installed ASUS and Intel audio drivers.
  • Ran the Windows Audio Troubleshooter.
  • Set the headset as the default playback device.
  • Disabled audio enhancements.
  • Checked Windows sound settings.
  • Tested multiple USB ports.
  • Tested multiple USB headsets.
  • Installed all available Windows and MyASUS updates.

None of these steps solved the problem.

Could this be caused by a Windows service, a corrupted audio component, Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST), or another Windows configuration? Are there any advanced troubleshooting steps or logs I should check?I'm experiencing an issue with Windows where any USB or USB-C headset is detected correctly, but no audio is played through the headset.

System:

  • Windows 11
  • ASUS laptop

Problem:

  • Windows detects the USB headset correctly and displays its name.
  • The headset can be selected as the default playback device.
  • However, no sound comes out of the headset.
  • The green audio level indicator does not move when audio is playing.
  • This happens with multiple USB headsets and USB-C headsets, so it is not a headset hardware issue.
  • 3.5mm analog headsets work normally.
  • USB devices such as keyboards and mice work correctly.
  • Bluetooth headsets are also detected but have the same problem (no audio output).

Things I've already tried:

  • Restarted the PC.
  • Reinstalled audio drivers.
  • Updated and rolled back audio drivers.
  • Installed ASUS and Intel audio drivers.
  • Ran the Windows Audio Troubleshooter.
  • Set the headset as the default playback device.
  • Disabled audio enhancements.
  • Checked Windows sound settings.
  • Tested multiple USB ports.
  • Tested multiple USB headsets.
  • Installed all available Windows and MyASUS updates.

None of these steps solved the problem.

Could this be caused by a Windows service, a corrupted audio component, Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST), or another Windows configuration? Are there any advanced troubleshooting steps or logs I should check?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. Ivan B 116.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-30T01:27:42.2+00:00

    Hi,

    Actually, Intel SST wouldn't prevent sound from playing. Do you have any VB-Audio applications or third-party antivirus software installed?

    What is the headphone model?

    Search for msinfo32.exe in the search bar, take a screenshot, and post it here so we can see the correct laptop model or desktop configuration.

    Thanks.

    Was this answer helpful?

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