No sound in Minecraft
Solution 1:
If you still don't have sound or can't find Minecraft in the volume mixer, try to change the "Mipmap Levels" option in video settings (under "Quality" when using Optifine).
It works for many people and it also worked for me. You can also put it back to your desired settings afterwards. :)
Solution 2:
I ended up finding this myself, with help from @Blue_Dragon360, who suggested looking at the mixer.
(from previous comment -- I couldn't answer the question at the time -- too soon)
I looked at the mixer, however minecraft never showed up there. On a whim, I clicked on "Playback devices", then "Configure" on the default speakers icon, and changed it from "Surround" to "Stereo", and lo and behold, it started working. I've had it on surround forever, so I have no idea why it matters now. Regardless, it's working now. Thanks for the suggestions.
Solution 3:
Is only Minecraft muted? It is possible to mute per app. To check this, go to your Sound taskbar icon, click it, click Mixer, and check Minecraft.
Screenie:
The above answer is Freehand-Circle compliant, in accordance to the StackOverflow FreehandCircle Code, Chapter 47, Section 4, Paragraph 3.1
Solution 4:
Adding this answer for others desperately looking to fix their sound issues:
I just figured out my Minecraft sound issue. Spouse and I had sound, but the kids haven't since the 1.9 upgrade. After trying a number of suggested fixes with no luck, I discovered that my Windows Family Safety settings were blocking Minecraft's ability to download the new sound packs. Apparently the message box appears just after the launcher closes and disappears almost immediately, so if you're not watching closely for it, you'll never know there's an issue. I changed the permissions, and voila! Sound!
Solution 5:
If you have a texturepack DISABLE it. Some texture packs does not only change texture but some change sound and then they mute you minecraft volume.