Make and model information for speakers, headphones, and earbuds?
This:
"I never needed to install drivers from the manufacturer (Audio-Technica) in the past, so that's probably not the issue. They were working fine until just a few days ago.
That it all worked may have simply been happenstance. There could have been some update or other change that created the problem.
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First, run the build in Windows Troubleshooters. The troubleshooters may find and fix something.
Second, right click the small speaker icon normally located in the lower right screen corner. A pop up menu will appear with 5 or so menu choices (including troubleshooting). Each choice leads to multiple windows, tabs, and properties. Explore all but do not make any immediate changes. Just make a few notes on anything is not correct or otherwise not as expected. Then research those items and determine if they are relevant and simply need to be reconfigured.
Third, take a look at TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve). Although there are standards not every manufacturer follows the standards. So it is possible that speakers/headphones will correctly work in one environment and not in another.
FYI:
https://www.cablechick.com.au/blog/understanding-trrs-and-audio-jacks/