Sound Problem

Hello,
Good morning
I am using an HP laptop G61-511WM
Sound mfg ATI Technologies Inc
Model ATI High Definition Audio Device
Sound mfg IDT
Model IDT High definition audio codec

Hi,
When I booted the computer this morning, I had sound. After I plugged in the headset I had no sound thru the headset so I unplugged the headset and no longer had sound from the internal speakers.
Rebooted the computer, got the sound working again.. plugged in the headset again..no sound coming through the headset...unplugged headset again...now the computer internal speakers had no sound again...
did another reboot and got the sound back again.
I got a different headset unit and plugged it in this afternoon, works okay...tried a third headset... it's working okay...

but after a few days...once you plug in a headset or external speakers and then unplug them, you lose the sound and have to reboot to get it back. it's crazy. Updaing the Codec drivers, caused a problem and could no longer play any MP3 music. So went back to old drivers. but I can't figure out why I lose the sound after having an external speaker or the headset plugged in and have to reboot to get back. It's crazy.
and you can't get the sound back unless you reboot..or at least that is the only way I've been able to get back. If you go to Control panel, it shows no sound device installed.
So between the time I had sound and lost it, I plugged in a headset or external speakers.

thanks
barbara