For over six months now, I've been without sound on my desktop, running Windows XP Home, with SP2. All updates are current.
Sound is mobo SoundMax, on a Gateway, 1.4 MHz, with 384 MB RAM.
Speakers are fine, and there are no indications of any problems, except that no sound comes from the speakers.
Here's what I've tried : Updating the drivers; uninstalling all software that uses any sound (I don't use anything remarkable - just Finale NotePad, and GuitarCoach); I'm not a gamer, so there's nothing there; rolling back SP2; and installing an external USB sound device. I've also tried unistalling the devices, and re-booting, thinking PNP would pick it up, but it didn't.
When I go to Control Panel -> Sounds and Audio Devices Properties -> Audio; the only playback device that is available is Line #n Modem Playback (or something like that). Even when I had the USB external sound installed, it wasn't an available choice for sound playback. SoundMax Digital Audio should be there, but it isn't. It is available as a choice in other device properties. Disabling the Half Duplex device, gives me no playback options whatsoever.
Short of rebuilding the hard drive, isn't there something else I can do to get my sound back? All that I have done, tells me in my gut, that a setting is wrong - but where? Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Old Salt
