Error opening sound device

I am narrating a 438-page book, and when I got to the next-to-the last page, I got this message:

“Error opening sound device. Try changing the audio host, playback device and the project sample rate.” I have no idea what that means.

I have a MacOS Mojave, version 10.14.6

I eventually lost the mouse as well.

I don’t know what I was doing any differently than what I’d been doing on the first 437 pages.

I really hope you can help me.

Thanks,
Sara Bartlett

Are you using wireless (bluetooth) headphones?

As for the mouse, is it wireless? Does it need to be charged?

– Bill

It’s a wireless mouse but has batteries. It’s called a Shhhh Mouse.

I have earbuds, not wireless.

I’m still wondering what theanswer to this problem is. If you get a chance to let me know, I’d appreciate it.

Thanks,
Sara Bartlett

Which version of Audacity?
Is there an error number in the error message? Common error codes are documented here: Error opening sound device - Audacity Manual

I have version 3.0.2 of Audacity.

There was no error number, just: “Error opening sound device. Try changing the audio host, playback device and the project sample rate.”

Thanks,
Sara

What are you doing when that error occurs?
How are your earbuds connected to the computer?

Mac OS Ventura 13.1
Audacity 3.2.3

I have a similar problem with AirPods Pro connection.
I am able to select the AirPods though - Audio Setup>Playback device - and work just fine as long as I don’t disconnect… this means not removing the device from my ears, walking away beyond Bluetooth range or answering a phone call. If I should remove an AirPod - to speak to someone or answer the phone - then the connection is broken with Audacity and I must save all my open windows and reboot the program to re-establish a Bluetooth connection with Audacity. All my other programs with audio connections (iTunes, Apple TV, YouTube, Sibelius) are unaffected so it seems to be a problem with Audacity.

My book is 438 pages long. I didn’t do anything differently with the last page except try to decrease the size of the Audacity part of the screen so that I could read the final paragraph in Preview.

I don’t have a blue tooth. I just have earbuds, and I didn’t do anything differently with them.

My earbuds plug into my Autotechnica AT2020 USB+ microphone

Two suggestions (do both):
Check the USB lead for damage, and ensure that it is securely plugged in at both ends.
Shut down and reboot the computer.

I’ll give that a try.

Thanks so much for all your help,

Sara B.