Reference number: CH000660

Where do I locate motherboard sound drivers?

Question:

Where do I locate motherboard sound drivers?

Answer:

Users who have motherboards with on-board audio (often with VIA, Realtek, or C-Media chipsets) may have issues with their audio or AC'97 errors in Device Manager. Often this is caused because the operating system has been reinstalled and the motherboard chipset drivers are not installed. To resolve this issue try following the below steps.

Let Windows redetect drivers

If you have not recently reinstalled Microsoft Windows it's possible that your audio drivers are simply corrupt. Open Device Manager and remove all devices under "Sound, video and game controllers" and any "Other devices". Once removed reboot the computer and let Microsoft Windows re-detect the audio drivers.

Motherboard chipset drivers

Reinstalling the motherboard chipset drivers will usually resolve this issue. If your computer came with a Motherboard CD, install the chipset drivers from the CD and the sound drivers if also available on the CD.

If you do not have a motherboard CD, obtain the motherboard chipset drivers from the motherboard manufacturer.

Sound card drivers

If after installing the motherboard chipset drivers you continue to have issues install the sound drivers. We suggest you download the sound drivers from the computer manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer.

A listing of motherboard manufacturers and their drivers can be found on our motherboard chipset drivers page.

Check the sound card

If after following the above steps try going through our sound card troubleshooting document CH000208. To make sure another sound related issue is not causing your issues.