alsa mixer - sound is always muted on logon, no option to unmute on the desktop

Ubuntu 14.04 - since upgrading the sound is always on mute. There doesn't appear to be any way of unmuting on the desktop (xubuntu) which seems quite a basic bit of functionality.
I have to launch alsa mixer to unmute the volume each time which is frustrating.

How can I save the sound settings so it's not on mute on boot up.

Also anyway to get the in built volume controls on the laptop (an old Dell Inspiron 1720) working again?