The computer is a Toshiba Satellite laptop (1.7GHz, 512Mb, 60Mb HD 7200 rpm)
that has a digital audio out with a minijack connector. This same connector
also functions as an analog headphone output. Using a Sony minijack to
optical cable that is an accessory to their portable DATs, I can get digital
audio out from the Toshiba to a number of different DACs. Now I got this
Soundblaster Audigy 2 NX external soundcard that has an optical input. The
problem is that there seems to be no signal from the laptop to the Audigy.
Of course the Audigy also has USB 2 connection but the laptop does not and
the USB 1 is not fast enough for the device to work properly. Anyone have
any idea what could be going on here?

Cheers,

Margaret