I'm having a problem with my laptop, for some reason, when I plug in speakers, or headphones, it doesn't turn off its own crappy speakers, which causes problems on the train, for example...

I'm definatly plugging them into the right place, and have checked all my SETTINGS, as far as I know. I got this laptop from a friend, and they seem to have installed realtek HD audio manager.  This might be the problem, but I don't really know what else to use.

Windows XP home edition
Service pack 3

Laptop make is Advent

Please ASSIST. I would be eternally grateful...When did this start?

What Operating System?

If you go to Device Manager, are there any yellow QUESTION or exclamation marks?Its ALWAYS been the case, ever since i got the laptop from my friend.

Operating system is windows xp

There are no yellow questions or exclamations in Device manager..

Thanks hopefully someone can sort it It is hardware. Contact the maker and see if this is a 'feature' or a defect.

To change it it requires a disastrously repair of the laptop.
Not a good idea.

Try different headphones.
The plug may be a millimeter undersized.Different headphones don't work, have tried that.
You really think it must be hardware? might it not be the realtek playing some sorta silly buggers with the thing? is there something I could replace it with, just to check.
Wait a sec... Which Laptop is it? There are a few where you turn off the built in speakers with their own mechanical volume control. Look on the front edge, the side, somewhere there is a volume control, not the one you normally use. It is just for the built in speakers.  lol, nope, still not it

Thanks again for trying I don't have what you're talking about Geek-9pm.

Lugh, ask your friend about it.

Also, when you put the earphones into the computer, can you hear ANYTHING from them?