[vls76]

I just got a new computer with an AMD Duron processor, 512 M RAM and Windows XP. Only problem is I've got no audio. I've checked BIOS and sound is enabled but Windows doesn't seem to recognize that the speakers are hooked up. When I tried to play system sounds from the Control Panel, I got an error message that said cannot play sound, your sound card may be in use. The computer was a gift that was bought used and the shop didn't have any documentation with the system. I think this might be a driver issue but I'm not sure how to find out which driver to try. Any suggestions?

 

[bonk]

To see what is inside your PC you can use this free utility EverestHome

Once we know what you have as a sound card and a motherboard we will be in a better precision to help

After you have installed EverestHome run it and choose Computer in the right-hand pane and then Summary....that will list everything in your PC.

Also what Make and Model is it the PC?

 

[vls76]

OKay. PC is an EMachines T1862. EVEREST lists the motherboard name as unknown, CPU is AMD Duron 750 Mhz processor, 512 MB RAM (PC133 SDRAM), motherboard chipset VIA VT8363(A) Apollo KT133(A), BIOS type Award Medallion(10/02/00). Under multimedia it lists 2 audio adapters Modem #0 and #1 Line Playback. Does this mean these idiots sold my dad a computer without a sound card?

 

[cody_e]

If there's a plugin for speakers then no. Most likely you will need to find the sound card drivers. Check the device manager to see if the device is installed properly. If not go to the manufacturer's website and get the right drivers.

 

[bonk]

Here are the Audio drivers and chipset drivers for that PC....just open up the small + sign

http://www.emachines.com/support/product_support.html?cat=Desktops&subcat=T-Series&model=T1862

 

[vls76]

All right. I downloaded and installed the driver but I still have no audio and I get the same error message when I try to play system sounds. Now what?

 

[bonk]

Did you download the Chip-set driver also...and restart the PC?

 

[vls76]

I downloaded the chipset driver and tried to instal it but I got an error message requires a supported chipset platform running on a supported operating system. More ideas?

 

[vls76]

Thanks for your help guys but the shop that sold it has offered to take it back and fix it for free. I thought this would be a quick, easy fix but apparently not. My dad is picking the machine up tomorrow and he'll take it in on Monday. At the very least, they'll have the documentation on what they put in this machine (they rebuilt it so it doesn't have the original motherboard which is probably why the drivers I tried didn't work.)

Anyway, thanks again for the help. I've recommended this site to a couple people I work with for help with their computers.