how do i unlock the mute control on the I-5

[iMore Question]

my wife doesn't know what happened to her phone. no ring tone. I'm no better

 

[SwitchBeach]

What's an "I-5"?

 

[Ledsteplin]

Try a hard reset. Hold the top or side power/sleep button and the home button at the same time until the Apple logo appears, then release.
Be sure volume is turned up on the side of the phone, in the pull up control center, and on Settings > Sounds. Might be time to upgrade that iPhone 5.