Setting up 5.1 soundcard/speakers

[dzspleen]

I just set up a new PC with the Sound Blaster Live! 5.1 soundcard:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-102-165&depa=1

and my 2-year-old Altec-Lansing 5.1 speakers:

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=36-113-126&DEPA=0

I set them to 5.1 sound in XP. There's a switch on the back of my subwoofer to go from 4-channel to 6-channel sound, but when I switch to 6-channel sound, the rear speakers don't output any sound (they're fine on 4-channel). I'm pretty sure all the plugs are in right, I'm just wondering if there's anything I missed?

 

[amdskip]

Are you using creative's software or xp?

 

[dzspleen]

I used whatever the Control Panel brought me to, so I'm thinking XP?

 

[bacon333]

i kinda of ran into this also. I have a 5.1 logitech z640 setup. in powerdvd i always have to set up for 4 channel sound in order to get the 5.1. if i set it to 6 speakers (4 sattelites, center, and sub) i barely hear anything from the back. with the 4 speaker setting the surround sound is perfect. *shrug*

 

[poopa]

I have the exact same problem
only im using audigy
the wierd thing is when i switch to 2/4 on the altec sub and only connect the green connector to the sound card i get sound on all speakers, but i wonder if its genuine 5.1 that im hearing (when playing ac3 movies of course)
when switching to 6 channels on the sub I dont hear in the rear or center even when i connect the yellow and black connectors to my audigy.

Can anyone shed some light here?

thanx