Lost Sound in Win98SE.

[alpha80]

Thanks.     I've just completed the exercise,as confirmed by the New Hardware Wizard before he disappeared, but------still no sound.!!!     I now have the 3D Audio Configuration icon back in my tray but the DxDiag Tool Sound 1,2 and 3 and Music tags all say:-- "DirectSound test results.  Failure at step 3 (DirectSoundCreate) HRESULT = Ox8878000a.  (The request failed because DirectSound resources,such as the priority level,were already in use by another caller)." --     I haven't a clue what all that means, so where do I go from here please. ?     Regards,  Alpha.    :-?

[alpha80]

I forgot to mention in my yesterday's posting that DxDiag also recorded (in the DirectX files tag) that file dsound3d.dll is "missing".    Is this relevant to my problem.?         Regards,    Alpha.       :-?

[alpha80]

A further update.!!     I have downloaded and installed the missing file dsound3d.dll but it didn't bring any sound with it.!!     Still head-scratching --  :-?       Alpha.  

[2k_dummy]

You mentioned that you couldn't find your volumn control in accessories. Look for the file sndvol32.exe, it should be in the windows directory. I suspect it is missing and will need to be reinstalled from the windows CD.

[alpha80]

  You mentioned that you couldn't find your volumn control in accessories. Look for the file sndvol32.exe, it should be in the windows directory. I suspect it is missing

Hi.   I have the file you mention but it seems to be dead.!!     When I left click on it nothing happens.    Properties confirms it's existence and attributes it as Archive.    I've been trying to work out what the DirectSound test results I mentioned in my May 6th posting mean but I still haven't a clue.   Have you any suggestions please ?     I'm fed up operating a 100% silent PC.!!                    Regards,     Alpha.      

[2k_dummy]

Go into device manager and remove the unknown device. Reboot and see if windows properly detects the sound card.

[alpha80]

Go into device manager and remove the unknown device. Reboot and see if windows properly detects the sound card.

Removed the unknown device and when I rebooted I got a Insert Disc message which said "File ksuser.dll on Win98SE CD-Rom cannnot be found.  Insert CD."  Did so,then got message "Could not find file on specified path" which was "Common Files\AOL\net\win98SE".    Cancelled message to check path and found the file at two locations.     Rebooted with intention of specifying the correct path but the message has not reappeared.!!      No indications of windows detecting the sound card but I've never been sure whether I have an add-in card or on-board sound.!!       Silence is still unbroken. !!                  Regards,     Alpha.       :-/
    

[soybean]

Installing an add-on card might solve your problem, but I hesitate to suggest that you do that.  If you don't know how to determine whether your system is using onboard sound or an add-on card, then I do not have a lot of confidence in suggesting that you install a card yourself.  Recognizing whether your system is using onboard sound or an add-on card is really a fairly simple matter.

[alpha80]

If you don't know how to determine whether your system is using onboard sound or an add-on card, then I do not have a lot of confidence in suggesting that you install a card yourself.  Recognizing whether your system is using onboard sound or an add-on card is really a fairly simple matter.

I think I can cope with something that is "fairly simple", so perhaps you would kindly tell me how. ?    I have looked at the information provided by Belarc and Everest but I'm still unsure.           Regards,     Alpha.     :-/

[GX1_Man]

Look where the speaker plugs into the computer case. Is it into the machine itself, or is there a vertical card in one of the expansion slots?

[soybean]

Actually, the add-on card will be a in horizontal position in most tower computers, assuming the tower is standing upright.  Here's an illustration of what the speaker connector would like for onboard sound: http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/sound_speaker_connector_cr.jpg.  In this illustration, the computer is laying on its side.

And, here an illustration of an add-in sound card; the speaker connector is among the row of connectors in the card slot that is the fourth slot from the left.  Again, since the computer is laying on its side, the card and connectors on it appear in a vertical pattern.  http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/case_rear_sound_card.jpg

Note that if a system originally had onboard sound but was later upgraded with an add-in card, you will probably see two speaker connectors on back of the computer, the one for the onboard sound, even though it is disabled, and the one on the add-in card.

[alpha80]

Actually, the add-on card will be a in horizontal position in most tower computers, assuming the tower is standing upright.  Here's an illustration of what the speaker connector would like for onboard sound: http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/sound_speaker_connector_cr.jpg.  In this illustration, the computer is laying on its side.

And, here an illustration of an add-in sound card; the speaker connector is among the row of connectors in the card slot that is the fourth slot from the left.  Again, since the computer is laying on its side, the card and connectors on it appear in a vertical pattern.  http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/case_rear_sound_card.jpg
.

Many thanks for your very clear explanation, which confirms that my PC has (or rather,should have) onboard sound. !!               Regards,   Alpha.

[soybean]

Here's what I have installed in my computer: CHAINTECH AV-512 Sound Card - Retail.  Prior to installing it, I was using onboard sound.  I've had this card for about a year now and have had no problems with it.

[alpha80]

Here's what I have installed in my computer: .  Prior to installing it, I was using onboard sound.  I've had this card for about a year now and have had no problems with it.

Thanks for the info:    A few questions please.   My onboard sound worked OK until recently so are you suggesting that I should give -up trying to restore it and install a sound card.?  Do you take the view that all possible remedies have been explored and there is no point in trying anything further.?    Is installing a sound card a DIY procedure for a low-to-medium tech: !!?                     Regard,     Alpha.       :-?

[alpha80]

An afterthought.!!     I haven't seen any comment about the Direct Sound Test Results I quoted in my Reply 9 of Mar 20.      Do they provide any clue to the remaining problem.?      We seemed to be making progress up to that point.                                     Regards, Alpha.      :-?