audio device not found error message

[sweetindigoblues]

my os is win xp.  i had to reformat recently, and now the error message that pops up says:

There are no active mixer devices available.  To install mixer devices go to control panel, click add printers/new hardware, add hardware.

The problem is that i've tried to reinstall the drivers, and i can't get it to work.  when i've looked at the device manager, the icon next to the video/sound area is a yellow question mark.  also, when i've asked windows to find the hardware and install the drivers, it says that it can't.  perhaps i'm doing something wrong, so does anyone have any tips?  could i get someone to map out what i'm supposed to do to fix this problem?

also, (this is a dumb question probably) but could it be that my card is just broken?  the computer is about 4 years old...

[Calum]

What sound card do you have?

[patio]

The actual card itself may have come unseated...remove all power sources, open the case and re-seat the card. Do some housekeeping while in there using a can of  compressed air to clean out all fans a/ heatsinks.
The drivers may be the incorrect ones if they won't install...are these the ones that came with the card ? ?
Lastly the card may have failed. To test it install it in a known working machine using the correct drivers...