Ubuntu No Sound in Netbook: Figuring Out the Problem

If you have just installed a fresh Ubuntu on a netbook you will probably come to a problem of no sound after rebooting. You will notice that the sound driver is working well and the media files are playing but no sound heard from the netbook speaker. If you connect a headset speaker to the netbook the sound will be heard. This problem is quite confusing and difficult to figure out at first. If you are a Ubuntu user and facing this problem, the following solution should work for you.

The file alsa-base.conf need to be edited first. Open terminal (Application -> Accessories -> Terminal) and type the following command:

> gksudo gedit /etc/modprobe.d/alsa-base.conf

At the bottom of this file insert the following line:

options snd-hda-intel model=asus-mode3

After that save the change, close, and then reboot. You need to check your levels in alsamixer. Type the following command in terminal:

> alsamixer

Now go to System -> Preferences -> Sound and make certain that the working soundcard is default.

If you still hear no sound, then install alsa-backports. Open terminal and type the following command.

> sudo apt-get install linux-backports-modules-alsa-lucid-generic

After the installation finish reboot your system and the sound should come out from your netbook speaker.