How do you fix a computer's sound card?

Question

One day, my computer had no sound, even the icon in the bottom corner is gone, it says there is no sound card installed, how do I fix it? It says I may need to buy a new one, where do I buy it and how much does it cost? My computer is only 6 months old. Please help!!!

Answer 1

update the drivers

Answer 2

If the card is built into the Motherboard like most PC's today,
I would try going into the BIOS and making sure it is "Enabled"
Probably F2 button when the machine is booting will get you there.
If it is enabled, then reload the drivers for that sound card.
If still no luck, Check speakers are in the right jack.
If speakers are good and in the right jack, then you may want to look at getting a new sound card.
You will then have to make sure the builtin Sound card in dis-abled in the BIOS.

Answer 3

INTRODUCTION
This article describes how to use the Sound Troubleshooter that is included in Windows XP Help and Support Center. This article describes types of problems that the Sound Troubleshooter can help you resolve. It also includes instructions for how to start and use the troubleshooter and provides additional troubleshooting resources that you can find on the Microsoft Product Support Services Web site.
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MORE INFORMATION
The Sound Troubleshooter includes step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot the following sound problems in Windows XP: • You do not hear sound from your computer's speakers or headphones.
• A sound seems to be played, but you do not hear anything.
• A sound is played, but then stops suddenly.
• The sound skips or misses in some areas.
• The sound is distorted or scratchy.
• The computer stops responding (hangs) when a sound is played.
• The computer restarts when a sound is played.
• You receive an error message when you try to play sound. For example, you may receive any one of the following error messages:• MIDI output error detected.
• No wave device that can play files in the current format is installed.
• The CD Audio device is in use by another application.
• WAV sound playback error detected.
• Your audio hardware cannot play files like the current file.


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Starting the Sound Troubleshooter
If you are already familiar with Windows XP Help and Support Center, click the following link to start the Sound Troubleshooter:
Sound Troubleshooter (hcp://help/tshoot/tssound.htm)
If you are not yet familiar with Windows XP Help and Support Center, we recommend that you start the Sound Troubleshooter by using the following procedure. This procedure will help you become familiar with this Windows XP Help and Support Center. 1. Click Start, and then click Help and Support.
2. Under Pick a Help Topic, click Fixing a problem.
3. In the left pane, click Games, sound, and video problems.
4. In the right pane, click Sound Troubleshooter.

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Using the Sound Troubleshooter
1. Click the option that describes the problem that is occurring, and then click Next.
2. Repeat step 1 until your problem is resolved or until you have reached the end of the troubleshooting path.

Note that you can click Back at any time to repeat the last step or click Start Over to start the Sound Troubleshooter again.

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Troubleshooting
If you cannot resolve the problem by using the Sound Troubleshooter or by viewing the recommended Knowledge Base articles, you can use the Microsoft Product Support Services Web site to find a solution to your problem. Some of the services that the Microsoft Product Support Services Web site provides include: • Searchable Knowledge Base (http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1?ln=en-us&sd=gn): Search technical support information and self-help tools for Microsoft products.
• Frequently Asked Questions (http://support.microsoft.com/gp/selecthub?sd=gn&fr=0): View product-specific frequently asked questions and support highlights.
• Microsoft Product Support Newsgroups (http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/default.mspx): Consult with your counterparts, peers, and Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs).
• Software and Updates (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.asp): Find software and updates on the Download Center.
• Other Support Options (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=csshome): Ask a support question using the Web, call Microsoft Product Support Services or provide feedback.

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REFERENCES
For additional information about troubleshooting sound issues in Windows XP, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
279819 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/279819/) ISA non-plug and play sound cards are not detected
306317 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306317/) Troubleshooting playback in Windows Media Player for Windows XP
236396 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/236396/) Windows Media Player cannot play back the audio stream
Click here to view a list of other Windows XP sound-related articles (http://support.microsoft.com/search/default.aspx?catalog=lcid%3d1033&spid=global&query=kbsound&adv=&mode=s&cat=false)
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APPLIES TO
• Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Answer 4

I have a windows xp which had sound now there is no sound dont know if I have sound card or not nothing has been removed.Email to [e-mail] thanks Dave

Answer 5

here is a link to a sound card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2177471&Tab=0&NoMapp=0
it is only 20 bucks
tigerdirect also tells you how to install it