ok to start off i would like to say im a complete idiot. i was switching computer cases today when i realized after booting up that i had forgot to put in my extra usb card on the inside. so while the pc was running i took off the side and tryed to slip it in but accidentally touch the motherboard with the card. my pc sparked and shutdown . after that it started up again. thank god but now i have no sound what so ever. i tried adding a new sound card but that didn't work either. i was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to fix this. and yes i am feeling like an a$$.

You need to shut down the system.
Then pull the cards you added.

Inspect the area around the slot you got the sparks from.

You may have burnt the PCB and broke the circuits
If they are toast then for the most part so is your Mother board

You will find it cheaper to replace the M/B than repair it
Sorry to be so blunt .. But that is lesson one in the school of hard knock$

Don't forget to unplug the power cord and then press the power button to drain the capacitors before touching ANY of the cards.

You may get lucky and find it only needs a full reset ( drain of all power )
Good luck

Rick,
Should one press and hold the power button? If so for approx. how long?

If you have the case open and unplugged

Press the power button and watch the fans.
They will spin and stop.

it is then safe to ground yourself to the case and start working on it.

It only takes a few seconds
It can save you a lot of hassle$

...........unplugged..............

it is then safe to ground yourself to the case and start working on it.


I thought the case has to be plugged in, in order for self-grounding to the case to be effective. If the case is un-plugged, wouldn't ESD have no path to travel to ground? Wrong assumption?

I thought the case has to be plugged in, in order for self-grounding to the case to be effective. If the case is un-plugged, wouldn't ESD have no path to travel to ground? Wrong assumption?

No, your assumption is entirely correct. ;)

I usually discharge myself by touching a radiator pipe, because it's one of those things that are always grounded.