Reinstalled Windows, Sound card error

[Keithgsx]

My version of Windows XP professional stopped working, so I installed the Home Edition and now I cannot play sound files. I get this error message:

Cannot play back the audio stream: no audio hardware is available, or the hardware is not responding (Error= 80040256)

My sound was working perfectly before the computer crashed but now I can't even change the audio settings, because it thinks I have no sound card.
The bad news is my computer was built by a friend of mine's brother, so I'm unsure as to the model of the soundcard, but I might be able to find out from him if it would help.

Thanks,
Keith

 

[Emtronics]

have you checked the Device Manager? RIGHT click My Computer, choose Properties, then the Hardware Tab and click on the Device Manager button. How does that see your sound card?