Why would it be necessary to go through the configuration panel to get the volume turned on?

I mean if the volume icon is just refusing to get turned on, why would it be necessary to go through the configuration panel:
http://plugable.com/2010/10/28/howto-adjusting-c-media-usb-audio-volume-in-windows-7/
and go through however many steps to get the volume turned on?
I mean what’s wrong with just having it the following way:
Enter “volume” in the search bar of “All programs” and click on “on”?

Re. the link, I’m not referring to anything to do with usb, but just to plug in the headphone to listen to whatever.