SPDIF card makes all sound stop working

[Beve]

I've been around and around, cannot figure out this problem, any help much appreciated!

Symptom: All sound working great until I plug SPDIF-out connector card into mobo. All sound stops working. Unplug it, all sounds return.

Equip:
Mobo - PCChips M825G v9.2A
Sound - Onboard C-Media AC97 Via chipset VT8235 using Xear 3d audio.
SPDIF-out connector card - Asus spdif out connector coax & optical out 4 pin

Notes:
Spdif connection on mobo is clearly labeled and impossible to plug in incorrectly - 4 pin arrangement, 2nd pin blocked. Cards and cable brand new.
Have uninstalled, reinstalled all sound drivers using correct drivers located at pcchips.com. Read mobo manual to see if jumper settings necessary, can't tell, doesn't clearly state.

Any help appreciated!!
Thanks,
Beve

[tmix]

It is possible that there is a setting that is making the MOBO look to the spdif in for sync signal for the audio.

See if there is an applet type page for setting up audio routing and synchronization for the card and see if the sync is set to internal computer clock or external sync via spdif.

Tom

[Beve]

Hi Tom,
Thanks for the reply. The Xear software comes only with a page for setting up the speaker config, no other options available. I've tried setting those to various configs with no luck. The Asus card didn't come with any drivers, as per seller, none required. I've written to asus for confirmation on this, no response yet.

I go into advanced settings on the AC97 card, but there are no settings other than what type of speakers and volume. Going into c-media folder in explorer shows no unknown executables (i.e. utils).

I'm at a loss how to set the audio routing and synchronization.

Thanks for the suggestions, if you have any other idea where to look for these options, I'm all ears! (still hearing nothing of course :-)

Thanks,
Bev

[MrM]

Sometimes using digital out automatically mutes the analog out, this setting can be altered with the soundcard software.

At least for soundblasters this is the case.
(I know you don't use one, it is just to name something as an example)

[Beve]

Hi MrM,
Thanks for the suggestion, it makes sense. Unfortunately the sound card is onboard, and the software for it is... well, bare bones with few options. I can extensively change the speaker arrangements, but virtually no other settings. I keep looking for some utility to allow more in-depth settings, no luck yet, but still searching. Will post solution if I find it.

Thanks,
Bev