Audio Systems: shelf stereo output, sony mhcgx450, rotary volume control

Question
i have a 5 1/2 month old sony mhcgx450 stereo. hte other day i turned it on and w/o warning the audio just cut out. after playing w/ it to see what had happened, i noticed that the sound was coming out but only if the volume was max'ed out. the stereo has no mute, the speakers couldn't be blown, even the headphone outlet produces next to no sound at all. is there something i can do to fix this(i have very little electronic knowledge) besides packing it up and returning the whole thing(a royal pain).  

Answer
sorry to say it probably is an electronic control circuitry that has failed. if it has a mechanical type or rotary volume control, it's possible it partially came loose from the circuit board, requiring taking it apart enough to get to it to resolder it back. if it were mine, i'd ship it in an instant. hope i was some help,    g........ps...just ship what's broke, nothing else.....g