Hi Lynne,

The red X volume icon usually appears when you have a hardware issue and your speakers are not working. It may also appear if there is a software malfunction after an update of the operating system.

It is due to the fact that not all the drivers are compatible with the new Windows 8.1 and Win 10 operating system.

If you're having the issue with sound system, you can try the following fixes:

Fix 1: Check hardware paramters

1. Before we go to the software part of this red x volume icon we will first have to check if your hardware is operating in the necessary parameters.
2. Move the mouse pointer over the lower right side of the screen for the “Charms” bar to open.
3. Left click or tap on the “Settings” feature you have in the charms bar.
4. In the search box you are presented in the “Settings” feature you need to write “Device Manager”.
5. After the search is finished you will need to left click or tap on the “Device Manager” icon.
6. Double click (left click) on the “Sound, video and game controllers” feature in the device manager window.
7. In the expanded menu in the “Sound, video and game controllers” feature look to see if you have there a sound card and if it is properly installed.
8. If you have a yellow sign next to the sound card you will need to left click on that icon.
9. Left click on the “Properties” feature after you clicked on the sound card.
10. Left click or tap on the “General” tab you have in the properties window.
11. You will have a box under the “Device status” feature and you will see in that box what exactly the issue with the sound card is.

Fix 2:

1. Check if you have made the proper connections to the speakers and the audio system.
2. Check the wiring from the speakers to the Windows 8 or Windows 10 device.
3. Check the HDMI cable if you have one on the audio system.
4. If you have a USB connection to the audio system you will need to check if it is plugged correctly to the device.

Fix 3:Check for latest drivers

1. Go on the manufacturer’s website and see if the driver for your audio card is compatible with the Windows 8 and Windows 10 operating system.
2. If the driver is not compatible you will need to download the latest version of the driver for Windows 8 and install it to your system.

After this Reboot the PC and your audio system should work fine.

I hope this helps in getting back your audio in your machine.

Regards,
Lokesh