volume controls for multiple programs

Godric

I seem to have this strange setting on my new Asus Laptop (Aspire v3 772G), where if I've got more than one open program that plays sound the computer will lower the sound of all but one of the programs as it tries to work out what's being used, even if that program is not currently making any noise.  Say I had Winamp left open while stopped and I wanted to watch something on VLC player, the VLC player would have it's sound reduced while winamp was still open, until I shut down winamp which would suddenly enhance the volume of VLC player.
I've never come across this before on other computers, so I wanted to know if it was a setting that could be turned off so everything's remains at the volume level when other programs are open. 
I've had a quick look but I'm unsure where the setting could be.

GuruAid-CS

You can try this setting and see if this helps:
1.    Press 'Windows key + R', type in 'mmsys.cpl' (without quotes) in the run box and hit enter.
2.    Go to the 'Communications' tab.
3.    You should see 'When windows detects communication activity:' and several options under it.
4.    Select the option 'Do nothing'.
5.    Click OK and restart the system.
6.    Check if the issue is resolved.

 

GuruAid

Godric

nah, that was one of the first things I tried, and I didn't expect it to work either. 

That's for using programs like skype or other voice chat systems, designed that way so your computer sound doesn't get in the way when you try to talk.

thanks anyway

GuruAid-CS

Open the task manager and go to the processes tab. Look for audiodg.exe and WWAHost.exe. Right click on both of them and click on 'End Process'. Now check if the sound is working.

 

Also, if you have a microphone connected to the system, try disabling the microphone. You should be able to do so from the 'Sound Properties' window mentioned above. Just go to the 'Recording' tab and right click on any microphone that's listed there and click on 'Disable'

 

Check if you're able to play sounds normally now.

 

GuruAid