speakers muted automatically for some reason

i have this weird problem that i'm not sure is specific to me, but more of a windows 7 or Lenovo laptop, so any help would be appreciable.

the problem is as follows:

Whenever i use skype, msn or any other thing that make noise, the speakers are muted automatically and i need to press the mute/unmute button to re-enable the sound.

Does anyone know what can i do to disable windows 7 from doing it?

Thanks.

Solution 1:

Check volume adjustment options when communication applications are activated:

• Right-click on the volume icon in the task tray (by the clock)
• Choose Playback Devices
• Go to Communications Tab (I suspect you have the Mute option chosen at the moment
• Switch to appropriate option (Reduce volume or Do nothing)