I was also unsure why the volume went down after removing the white tab, but I have found a way to increase the volume. Take the phone apart being careful not to separate the two halfs to far because they are attached. Next you will notice what looks like a small black botton switch attached with two phillips screws and four wires. This is the volume control and when the white tab is removed the switch opens. There are only two modes high and low so getting your volume back to the way it was while in the box is easy. Take the switch out and rotate it 180 degrees. Push the botton down and place it into its orginal location placing it in backwards. This will keep the botton down and the volume up. Hope this is helpful and good luck.