Computer help - no sound

Factual Questions
1

I always hesitate to ask for computer help on the Boards, but I’m well and truly stumped this time.

The sound has stopped working on my computer. Completely. I think it happened after a Windows Update. No sound whatsoever, whether from CD/DVD or eminating from Windows, etc. I’ve checked all the usual stuff, the speakers are fucntioning, etc.

I’ve traced the problem to an audio device called C-Media AC97. According to the hardware profile it cannot start (code 10). I’ve uninstalled and reinstalled it. Downloaded a number of drivers. Nothing.

Has anyone ever seen this before? Any advice? Thanks in advance.

2

Sounds like Windows got you “new and improved” drivers from the Windows Update that messed something up. Is there an option to Roll Back drivers? I’m working on my Mac, away from my PC, right now or I’d check.

Otherwise, crack the case open, see what sound card you have, and go to the manufacturer’s site and get their drivers.

3

Seems like someone else has had the same problem.

Link inside that thread to download older drivers. YMMV.

4

I downloaded the old drivers on the site linked. Still no sound, but now the AC97 no longer shows the Code 10 problem. It’s now (supposedly) functioning properly.

A hollow victory if there ever was one.

Any suggestions on the next step? At this point I can’t see ANYTHING wrong inside or out. The sound SHOULD be working so far as I can tell.

5

Well, if Windows is telling you it’s working, it must be so!

I don’t know what else it might be. Check all the connections (those jacks can be flaky), various volume controls, mute setting somewhere?

Barring that, maybe keep looking for different versions of the driver somewhere.

Sorry I can’t be more helpful.

6

Is the AC97 an onboard sound device? Do you have a PCI one too?

Make sure you’re not plugged in to the PCI one and Windows switched you to the onboard one during the update. If you do have 2 sound devices, go to Start - Control Panel - Sound & Audio Devices and click the “Audio” tab. It should have both the PCI and onboard devices listed in a dropdown menu. Choose the one your speakers are plugged in to for “Default Playback Device.”