Hello everyone,

I am trying to figure out why my bro's computer will not play any sounds at all. I just had a clean install of Windows XP on it, and installed a LiteOn combo drive. I know the combo drive works because when I pop a CD-ROM in it to read installation guides, it displays the information on the disk with no problems. I was also able to install software on the discs with no problem. Obviously if the drive itself is broken, the disc cannot be read at all, so I'm ruling out that the drive is broken.

The problem starts when I try to play an audio CD. Programs like iTunes would pick up the CD information like artist and tracks, but would not play. I know something is wrong with the sound properties after I tried to play shared music from another computer on iTunes, and no sounds came out. I also tried WinAmp and Windows Media Player, and the same results happen--music cannot be played. System sounds like the tone played when XP starts up also cannot be heard.

I did check the Sound and Audio Devices properties in the Control Panel and realize that when I click the Volume tab, it says "No Sound Device." I'm guessing this is the root of the problem, because on my computer, it reads "Realtek AC97."

Now, I am really puzzled as to how to fix this! Can anyone out there tell from this situation what the problem might be? If you need more details, please ask--I'm more than happy to provide them so you can help me out! Thanks in advance...

Did you install the sound drivers? Also, is the onboard sound(assuming its onboad because of the Realtek AC97) enabled in the bios?

Like others said (and will say) you gotta enable the onboard sound if your using it. If your not using onboard, lets say your using a Creative soundblaster then you should disable it. After that install your drivers. If you don't have them you can download them.

If its creative soundblaster:
http://www.soundblaster.com (edit: typo)

If its onboard Realtek then download them from your motherboard manuacters website. If its a pre-built then download it from your PC builders website.

I agree. You have to install the drivers.

Hello guys,

I've installed the drivers on the Nero CD-ROM, I guess that's not doing the trick. Now, someone mentioned going into the BIOS--I've never done that before, how do I do it? What should I look out for and what should I enable? I hope you don't mind giving me a step-by-step, if not point me to a link that's good for first timers at repairs like myself. I am using the sound card that's onboard the mobo--no additional cards added. I'd appreciate it if someone can give me a little hint on how to do this! Thanks--I learn so much from all of you all the time!

I really need some advice on this--I've never fixed my own sound before--how do I get into the BIOS and check if sound is enabled? As I've said, I don't have a soundcard installed, I'm using the onboard one. My mobo is an MSI one for Celeron processors. Now, this may sound like a dumb question, but isn't XP supposed to have the basic drivers for playing sounds? Before the comp crashed due to a bad copy of XP installed by a friend, the sound was working fine. Now I have a genuine copy of XP installed, and no sound Also, are there specific drivers with certain names that I'm supposed to install?

Hope I don't seem to ask to be handheld, but I just don't want to screw things up because it's my first time having this problem! I appreciate all your help, folks...

Find the CD for your motherboard. It will have the drivers on there for you. If you do not have the CD, look up your motherboard and then google for the soundcard drivers.

Is it a custom built CD or a pre-built? If it is pre-built, find the model number and google it and "drivers" and you should be able to find your soundcard drivers.

i have windows xp and i deleted the realtek sound system i have no sound. what do i do to get my sound bsck? can you be more specific..i have speakers..