The first step is to see whether it's a stale state file or an actual code (if so, likely sound/pci/ac97/ac97_*) regression:
1) Verify from a cold boot whether the symptom is reproducible. 1A) If it is, upload the current state file (/var/lib/alsa/asound.state) as an attachment to this bug report. 1B) Then, close all applications holding the sound device, unload all alsa modules and forcibly remove the state file [kill $(lsof -t /dev/dsp* /dev/snd/*) && sudo modprobe -r $(lsmod |grep ^snd |awk '{print $1}') && sudo rm -f /var/lib/alsa/asound.state]. 1C) Then, reload the driver [sudo modprobe snd-intel8x0], and verify whether the symptom is reproducible (no need to reboot). 1D) If the symptom remains reproducible, then we'll begin the bisect procedure. ** Changed in: linux-source-2.6.20 (Ubuntu) Assignee: Ubuntu Kernel Team => Daniel T Chen Status: Confirmed => Needs Info -- low volume through headphones on HP Pavilion ZT3000 (ICH4) [edgy regression] https://launchpad.net/bugs/88332 -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs