Question Why is my Nvidia HDMI keeping my Realtek audio from working?

[queentut]

UPDATE: Well, the practical problem is solved-- there was physical damage to the motherboard out. It's now working. Still cant figure out where the HDMI signal is coming from, but I don't care. Thanks to the responders!

I have a Dell desktop with an Nvidea video card. I use a TV as a monitor, attached to the Nvidea HDMI out, and an external sound system attached to the Realtek motherboard outputs. This has worked fine for years.
Now, I can't get any sound from the Realtek outs, even when I've selected them and disabled the Nvidea out. The sound somehow keeps coming through the HDMI only, regardless of the output choice. I've reinstalled the Realtek drivers, and they're working to some extent as they show a popup when I plug into them, but no sound output. Aby thoughts?

 

[sonofjesse]

Just got to your sound settings and set your sound output to what you want.

 

[KyaraM]

Right-click on the sound button on the task bar, choose volume mixer. Check that it is set to the Realtek-device. Then, go to Sound in the same right-click menu you previously opened the mixer from. Disable all devices listed there. That should (hopefully) do the trick.

Edit:
Also check sound settings.

 

[queentut]

Right-click on the sound button on the task bar, choose volume mixer. Check that it is set to the Realtek-device. Then, go to Sound in the same right-click menu you previously opened the mixer from. Disable all devices listed there. That should (hopefully) do the trick.

Edit:
Also check sound settings.

 

[queentut]

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear. I've already chosen the Realtek and disabled everything else. Realtek is the only choice that shows in the volume mixer and sound settings. But the only sound output is thru HDMI.