Hi Pattispc,
The speakers should be put into the rear of the computer in the outlet that is marked for speakers. As it is an audio outlet made for those speakers. Once you have done that restart the computer. If that does not help with the speakers feel free to let me know. Could you include your model number and current operating system? Here is a link if your not sure.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00033108&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en
Hope it helps.
Thanks