98' strange radio problem, thoughts???

[Tide C4]

The Radio in my 98' Tahoe appears to be working fine, however, no sound is present in the speakers. By accident I turned on the dome lights and the speakers started to work. This action is repeatable, when it is first started the radio makes no sound, but if the dome lights are turned on the radio functions normally. The dome light can be turned back off and the radio will continue to work, as long as the ignition is on. The next time it's started you have to repeat the same process.
Has anyone else noticed this, or have any clues what it might be? It is the factory radio and speakers.

by the way, the dome lights I'm refering to are the ones operated by the switch located next to the headlight switch.