my work's computer speakers are whack. the only time they'll make sound is when i go through the pc's control panel and test them - of if i get an e-mail or prompt some computer generated sound. trying to listen to pandora or npr online is suddenly no longer an option (as of this past friday morning). it's not a problem with work - my coworker is still happily listening to pandora. it's gotta be my pc. any ideas?

xo

Depends on what sound card you have, but you can go into volume control and make sure nothing's muted.  Some sound cards treat PC sounds and MP3 streams differently.  Or they will give you control over individual applications like Windows Media Player or Firefox.