This is a very common issue, usually caused by a drop or strike to the button area, forcing the button mechanism down into its housing and/or bending in the aluminum casing around it.
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You need to replace the entire headphone jack assembly (includes the headphone jack, on/off switch, silent/ring switch, volume controls, and vibrator). The part is inexpensive, but working on a 1st Gen iPhone is incredibly difficult.
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You need to replace the entire [https://www.ifixit.com/iPhone-Parts/iPhone-Gen-1-Headphone-Jack/IF105-001-1|headphone jack assembly] (includes the headphone jack, on/off switch, silent/ring switch, volume controls, and vibrator). The part is inexpensive, but working on a 1st Gen iPhone is incredibly difficult.
Look at the iFixit repair steps for this part before making a decision to try this: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-iPhone-1st-Generation-Headphone-Jack/442/1
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Might be worth renewing your contract with at&t and getting a new 3Gs.
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Might be worth renewing your contract with AT&T and getting a new 3GS.
This is a very common issue, usually caused by a drop or strike to the button area, forcing the button mechanism down into its housing and/or bending in the aluminum casing around it.
You need to replace the entire headphone jack assembly (includes the headphone jack, on/off switch, silent/ring switch, volume controls, and vibrator). The part is inexpensive, but working on a 1st Gen iPhone is incredibly difficult.
Look at the iFixit repair steps for this part before making a decision to try this: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-iPhone-1st-Generation-Headphone-Jack/442/1
Might be worth renewing your contract with at&t and getting a new 3Gs.