I have an iPad original (4.3). I am very new at this, too. Somehow the mute button is checked. I have reset this thing three times. It says to use the 'side switch' but there is no side switch. I can hear movies and music but I can not hear downloaded aps. I have called the 'geek squad' but they can't help. I have gone into 'setting' but that didn't work either. I have also made sure the mute switch is in the correct position. I am ready to toss this and go back to my computer. Do I need to buy a new iPad? I appreciate what ever help is out there. Thanks in advance.