When the audio icon in the upper right-hand of your Mac laptop screen turns grey and you can’t get the audio to work by pressing any keys, chances are your computer's audio is in "optical out" mode. To test this, plug in a pair of headphones into the audio output port. If the icon goes to black and the volume works, then the optical output switch is definitely the problem.

First, try removing the headphones or other audio device slowly. There is a chance that this will fix the problem. If that doesn’t work, then you have two options: 1) Keep plugging the headphones in and pulling the jack out repeatedly until it works OR 2) Get a toothpick or other straight, slim object and manually adjust the switch with it. Don't use anything metal, as it can cause a short circuit.

To flip the switch in the audio output, take the toothpick or other object (remember, no metal!) and stick it into the audio output port. Carefully move the toothpick or whatever you’re using in circles. Once you flip it, the audio icon on your desktop will return to black and you will be able to adjust the volume. Tada! You have now fixed your audio ailments.