On a Windows Vista-based computer, the Volume slider and the Balance sliders may unexpectedly display different numeric values. For example, the Balance sliders may all display a level of 23, even though the Volume slider displays a level of 24.

Note: You can find these sliders in the Sound item in Control Panel.

When you adjust the Volume slider or the Balance slider in the Sound item in Control Panel in Windows Vista, the level setting may change slightly after you click OK. The exact setting for the Volume slider or for the Balance slider is not retained.

For example, the level setting may change slightly in the following scenario:

• You open the Sound item in Control Panel, you select a device on the Playback tab, and then you click Properties.
• You click the Levels tab, and then you adjust the Volume slider level or the Balance slider level.
• You click OK, and then you reopen the dialog box.

Note: This issue may be easier to detect if you switch to decibel (dB) view. To do this, right-click the value box that shows the current level, and then click decibels.