Front Panel Headphones not working

[DrumSTW3]

I have a problem where my headphone jack on the front panel of my case does not work. Specs are as follows:

Asus P8Z77-V Pro/Thunderbolt MB (latest bios)
Intel i7-3770k
Windows 7 Ultimate
Fractal Define R4 case
G.Skill TridentX 32gb DDR3 2400
Samsung Pro 850 SATA SSD
Samsung UN40HU7100 as monitor (via HDMI)

Troubleshooting so far (in no particular order):
-Updated drivers
-Updated bios
-Set Bios and Realtek audio manager both to hd audio, when that didn't work, set them both to ac97 just to try, just got popping sound in headphones.
-Disabled Intel Display Audio in device manager
-Replaced front jack pcb and cable from front jack to MB

Headphones do not show up as option on Realtek Audio Manager software, and I have gone through every possible option of disabling auto sensing and headphone priority.

Cannot retask front panel connectors in HD Audio, only AC97

I've never had to use the headphone jack before, but now I changed my office and need it. I would prefer to use wired headphones than having to resort to Bluetooth.

What is the probability of the Realtek chipset failing?

 

[aford10]

Have you verified the headphones work in another device? Also, try the headphones in the back panel audio port.

 

[DrumSTW3]

Headphones work, actually have 2 different pairs. Tested in tablet and laptop. Does not work in front or rear jacks on this PC

 

[aford10]

Plug them in, and then run windows updates.