Sound problems - Please help!!!!

musicbox · #1 September 21st, 2005, 02:11 PM

Hi
Hoping someone can help!
First I'm not very techie but work logically so apologies if some of what I write sounds stupid!

Running Win 98 SE
All was fine, then last night had to reboot because system was running slow.
After reboot, I had no sounds and my volume control had gone from the start bar.

I had a look in my Control Panel,
Multimedia shows no active symbol in Audio Properties.
Sounds show the sound symbols but if you click on one to preview, the symbol goes into the box but the play arrow next to it stays dead.

In Add / Remove programs it shows a ? and PCI Multimedia Audio Device.
It says it is installed but had a problem. Tells me to reinstall the drivers, but it can't find the drivers.

Now..reading another question on this forum I saw a suggestion to try the Belarc computer scan. I have done this and don't think I can see an sound card listed. Some of what I see I can understand what I am looking at but some I am not totally sure of so these are what I am not sure of.

MULTIMEDIA
Gameport Joystick (no joystick connected)
MPU-401 Compatible
PCL-W310
Wave Device for Voice Modem

OTHER DEVICES
EPSON Perfection1260
PCL-W310
Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard
Reserved Device
SpeedTouch 330 ADSL Modem
Generic USB Hub
PCL-W310
USB Root Hub (4x)

Am I right in thinking I cannot see a sound card mentioned?
If so am I right in thinking the sound card has died and I have no choice but to get a new one?

Any help gratefully received!

Cheers
Shelley

pip22 · #2 September 21st, 2005, 03:57 PM

Could still be merely a driver re-install issue. But if you can't find the driver CD, try the sound-card maker's website if you can remember the make/model. If the sound is supplied from an integrated chip on the motherboard -- in which case it's probably an AC-97 chip, these are notorious for 'dying'. Mine has, so I fitted a new Creative Audigy card and disabled the non-functioning AC-97 in the BIOS so Windows would not keep nagging me to install it's driver.

musicbox · #3 September 21st, 2005, 04:06 PM

Hi
The sound card was either the one from new (approx 8 yrs ago!!) or from the upgrade I had done 18 months ago. Either way I don't have the drivers and have no idea what the card is.
I know my original was a Soundblaster, but don't know if they put a new one in with the windows upgrade.
And it was a small privtae shop which had been in Norwich for donkeys years and shut a few months ago so I have no way of finding out.
It's a shame the shop shut as they offered the best customer service ever. You spoke to a human, who knew what he was talking about and didn't treat you like an idiot just because you were not as clever as them!

Shelley

**Miz** · #4 September 21st, 2005, 05:39 PM

At least it's easy to tell whether it's integrated with the motherboard or a separate card. Look at the back of the computer where the speakers plug in. If it plugs in near the top of the tower, it's an integrated card. If it plugs into ports nearer the bottom of the tower, it's a separate card.

If it's a separate card, you could shut the computer down, open the case and see if you can find the make/model printed on the card.

You can also try using Everest Home Edition (it's free). It's similar to Belarc Advisor and sometimes it can identify a component Belarc doesn't (and vice versa).

musicbox · #5 September 21st, 2005, 05:42 PM

They plug in near where the mike, mouse and keyboard all plug in.
If it is integrated to the motherboard, does this mean a new motherboard?
Thansk again for the help.
Shelley

The Dude · #6 September 21st, 2005, 06:03 PM

The same thing happend to me one day my friend,i ran SYSTEM FILE CHECKER and thank god i was able to restore my sound card files...

Click Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Information/SYSTEM FILE CHECKER

When running this program,*** RESTORE ALL FILES HAVING TO DO WITH YOUR SOUND CARD!! *** Look for a file called "WDMAUD.DRV" this is your Windows Device Mapper (W/o it,your computer is "lost in the desert") Mine was deleted when this happend,I HAVE NO IDEA WHY!!!!!!!

If this file comes up in a scan with SFC (System file checker) RESTORE IT STRAIGHT AWAY!!! (As well as any other sound card driver files)

Good luck & Welcome Ashore

Idnew · #7 September 24th, 2005, 12:12 AM

In the device manager do you have sound/video/and game controllers? If so click on it and your sound card should be in there and this ? PCI Multimedia Audio Device, you don't need because mine shows the same thing. Got rid of it once but somehow got it back. Anyway disable it by clicking on it then properties and put a check in disable in this profile and you probably will get your sound back.