cannot install anything and no sound

I have windows 98 installed and a few weeks ago for no apparent reason my system wont allow me to install any software..plus I'm not getting any sound from anything..what's up?..how can i check to see if something is missing from my windows 98 or is this a hardware problem?

 

Hi yodaman40,Welcome!
What type, if any, of messages are you getting when you try to install? Check in Device Manager to see if you have any problems! Right click My Computer, Select properties, click on Device Manager tab. Also please post some system info! Check to see if your sound got muted somehow! It happens! Click on your volume control! While in Device Manager click on your sound card and see if it is working properly!