[Miserere]

A couple days ago, about halfway through listening to a song, the sound simply disappeared. I fiddled with the volume, tried youtube instead of iTunes, restarted my computer, tested my sound and unplugged my speakers before plugging them back in. Nothing changed.
I don't think it's my speakers, because when I turn the knob to turn them on, they make the customary crackle and the blue light appears. I tried plugging headphones into the front of my computer and they hummed, but didn't play sound either.
I checked out this thread: http://forums.techguy.org/windows-xp...omputer-2.html
but none of my devices have a question mark or exclamation point over them.
Under 'sound, video and game controllers' these things are listed: Audio codecs, legacy audio drivers, legacy video capture devices, media control devices, realtek AC'97 Audio, sound blaster live! 24-bit, and video codecs.
I'm not really sure what any of those are (I got the computer third hand) except I believe that the realtek is the sound card?
I have an XP, version 5.1 and I'd really like to be able to listen to music again, so any help you could provide would be helpful. Thank you!

[flavallee]

Realtek AC'97 Audio

Soundblaster Live! 24-bit

are 2 different audio devices, so I don't know why you have both of them listed in Sound Video And Game Controllers in the Device Manager.

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Double-click the Realtek device, then click the "Driver" tab.

What's listed for the driver version?

The most current version for Windows XP is 5.10.0.6300

If you need it, click one of the MajorGeeks links to download and save it and then install it.

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[Miserere]

Originally Posted by flavallee

Realtek AC'97 Audio

Soundblaster Live! 24-bit

are 2 different audio devices, so I don't know why you have both of them listed in Sound Video And Game Controllers in the Device Manager.

I have absolutely no idea. I just wrote down what was listed.

Originally Posted by flavallee

What's listed for the driver version?

Under the driver tab it reads:
Driver provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Driver Date: 10/1/2004
Driver Version: 5.10.0.5730

Originally Posted by flavallee

The most current version for Windows XP is 5.10.0.6300.

Does this then mean I should update it? The driver tab gives me the option of getting details, updating, rolling back or uninstalling the driver -- is it better to update it using that button or using the link you provided? Or is there no difference?

Thank you for your help.

[flavallee]

You can't update the Realtek driver by clicking the "Update Driver" button in the Device Manager.

You need to download and save the Realtek driver file, then close all open windows first, then double-click the saved file to install it.

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I don't use T-tube or iTunes, so I can't address any issues with them.

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[Miserere]

Well I downloaded the driver and installed it and restarted my computer. I now have several new icons in my icon tray. I clicked on the one that said 'sound effect' and it gave me the option to test my speakers. Both produced the fanfare sound they were supposed to, but I still can't hear any audio from iTunes, YouTube or even error messages. Which is a slight step up from where I was and I know for sure that my speakers work, but I still have a problem. So... What do I do now? Do I need to enable it or something? Or is something else wrong?
I really do appreciate the help, guys. Thanks again.

[flavallee]

What's the brand name, model name, and model number of that computer?

Is it a desktop or a laptop/notebook?

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Go to control Panel - Add Or Remove Programs.

Are there entries for both Realtek and Creative/Soundblaster ?

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[Miserere]

Originally Posted by flavallee

What's the brand name, model name, and model number of that computer?

Is it a desktop or a laptop/notebook?

It's a desktop. The front of it says 'hp pavilion a265c' and the model number is DF283A-ABA-a265c

Originally Posted by flavallee

Are there entries for both Realtek and Creative/Soundblaster ?

Yes, both are listed. Possibly of note: the front of the computer states that it 'sounds best!' on the soundblaster 24 bit. So I guess that's what came with it?

[flavallee]

Here is the support site for the HP Pavilion a265c desktop.

It was introduced in May 2003 - 9 years ago.

According to its specifications section, the integrated audio device is Realtek AC'97 Audio.

If you got that desktop third-hand, it's possible that the original owner has added an audio card to it.

Is there 1 or 2 sets of round colored ports at the rear of the case?

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