What is wrong with my dell laptop the hole where you plug your earbuds in isn't working it will go on and off and i havent even had for a year yet?

Answer 1

Generally, 3.5 mm audio jacks (where you plug your headphones into) are some of the most used ports on a laptop computer. These ports have tiny mechanical portions that, if overused, will break and the connection between your headphones and the PC audio will become poor, and oftentimes may not work at all. If you have been removing and placing headphones into the audio jack, even after just a year, you may have accidentally caused this form of mechanical failure. Unfortunately, it isn't exactly fixable, as the audio ports are generally directly connected to the logic boards of laptops, and removing them is only to be done by a professional, certified individual. Fixing this yourself could result in damaging the board itself and potentially making the laptop useless.

Answer 2

It is very difficult to say without actually examining the laptop.

• Make sure your drivers are up to date
• Make sure your sound card is up to date
  
• Blow into the hole to make sure there is no dust in there
• Try another pair of earphones, it might be a compatibility issue with your current ones
• If the laptop was dropped, it's possible there might be some internal damage. This will have to be checked be a technician.

Dell laptops come with either a one-year or two-year warranty. Check your purchase information to see how long your warranty lasts for. If your warranty is still in date, contact Dell and arrange for a Dell technician to examine it. If it's not in date then a technical check-up will cost you, usually around £50 plus parts (price based on PC World UK).