Sounds like you have not thrown the switch on the back of the remote receiver. The switch should be set at the up position (6-ch direct). Next, using the remote set the effect to "Pro Logic II Music". Finally, turn all the speaker volumes up to max, except the sub, which I keep at about 35 percent of max.

Now, using the remove volume control, crank up the master volume, and when it reaches max, continue to hold the button down and you will go into the higher volume levels, which are sufficient to blow the windows out of your home. That should solve your problem.

Gary