Question

Control Panel - Sounds and Audio Devices Properties say "No Audio Device"

Asked by: maumau222

I have a Sony Viao desktop PC running Win XP SP2.  Original equipment is SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio.    Sound stopped working - no audio output of any kind.

Device manager reports the SoundMAX "device is working properly" and "device enabled", but Control Panel "Sounds and Audio Devices Properties" Volume tab says "No Audio Device" and when I use trouble shooting and click on "Volume Control"  error message says " There is no active mixer devices available.  To install mixer devices go to Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Add Hardware.

There is no such category in Control Panel.  Under Printers and Faxes there is no place to click Add Hardware (there is an Add Printer button).  When I select the Add Hardware category in Control Panel the wizard does not find any new devices and does not offer a chance to install a volume control.

I installed a new Xtreme Sound 5.1sound card.  In device manager (I disabled the SoundMAX card)  After installing hardware and drivers I went to the Control Panel Sounds and Audio Devices Properties - Audio tab reports "No Playback Devices."   Under the HArdware tab I seclect the Xtreme Sound and  playback made sure it is enabled.  

No Cigar!  I'm missing something or there is a hardware/software fault somewhere in the system.  I've spent about 4 hours on this now with no change at all to the original problem - no sound effects, no audio period.   HELP!

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Asked On
2007-08-02 at 21:00:11ID22739339
Tags

audio

,

devices

,

sounds

,

properties

,

control

Topics

General Multi-Media Software

,

Drivers

,

General Computer Systems

Participating Experts
6
Points
500
Comments
13

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Answers

 

by: PUNKYPosted on 2007-08-02 at 21:09:57ID: 19622506

I would remove the xtremme Sound card, enable onboard sound in bios, then do system restore back to sometime that you knew system sound worked. Try see if it helps.

 

by: MeretePosted on 2007-08-02 at 22:41:46ID: 19622770

It might pay to boot to safemode uninstall your new card from the device manager, then reboot have the drivers ready then let windows found new hardware auto install them, maybe wrong drivers no BSOD then its not too bad, unless the card is faulty. Or not correctly inserted try a different pci slot.
which order maumau222, >>
installed a new Xtreme Sound 5.1sound card.  In device manager (I disabled the SoundMAX card) << did you disable the onboard first then install the drivers for  new sound card shutdown unpower insert the new card power in again boot let windows found new hardware?

try this too open  device manager then VIEW show hidden devices then check if there is a problem device or other devices yellow question marks. Uninstall them or update them.

You can also run a dxdiag go to start run type in dxdiag press enter chk your sounds and audio.

 

by: nobusPosted on 2007-08-03 at 01:03:35ID: 19623238

>>  click Add Hardware    <<  you should find this in Control panel, not iunder printers & faxes.
any errors in device manager showing?
you can also disable the onboard sound card in the bios, then try installing the new one again

 

by: phototropicPosted on 2007-08-05 at 01:19:45ID: 19633561

Look in System Information (start - programs - accessories - system tools - system information). Click on "components" and then "sound device". Check that your sound hardware is reported correctly. Click on "problem devices" to check for driver issues...  

 

by: ChiefITPosted on 2007-08-11 at 01:10:52ID: 19675188

Do you have any audio codecs installed?

description of audio codes on the following link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_codec

 

by: _Forgotten_Posted on 2007-08-20 at 21:03:37ID: 19735463

You need to go into windows Services,

Start - Run - Services.msc

and verify that the windows audio service is running and started correctly.  My guess is, it wont be listed

 

by: maumau222Posted on 2007-08-24 at 20:36:59ID: 19766688

Thanks to all who have contributed possible solutions.  Unfortunately the problem persists.  

I have followed all suggestions and found one thing to be consistent; regardless of whether the on-board or PCI slot sound card is installed, with correct drivers and the indication that "this device is working correctly" and hardware showing up under the "hardware" tab in Control Panel "Sounds and Audio Devices" properties, the  following remains consistent:
1/ In Control Panel "Sounds and Audio Devices" properties under the "Volume" tab it says NO AUDIO    
    DEVICE and the volume slider is greyed out
2/ When I run DxDiag  I receive a warning that "DxDiag has detected there may e a problem accessing
     Direct 3D", and would I like to bypass Direct 3D this time.  If I say NO, the system crashes. If I say  
     YES and look under the SOUND tab, no sound devices are listed, and in Notes it says "No sound
     card was found. If one is expected you should install a sound driver provided by the hardware
     manufacturer.

I am wondering whether there is a board level driver that is missing, and therefore the sound card (either on-board or PCI monted) is not being seen?

 

by: _Forgotten_Posted on 2007-08-24 at 20:59:35ID: 19766724

The problem is not a driver problem.  Because they are there in device manager.  Did u check the service likw I told u?

 

by: _Forgotten_Posted on 2007-08-24 at 21:05:32ID: 19766729

 

by: MeretePosted on 2007-08-24 at 21:11:12ID: 19766737

sounds like the drivers are mixed up with the video. 3d is video related no sounds?
When you look in device manager open teh VIEW do you see duplicate drivers for one software any devices listed under Other!!
your comment here
 when I use trouble shooting and click on "Volume Control"  error message says " There is no active mixer devices available.  To install mixer devices go to Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware<< that's Printer and OTHER HARDWARE not printers and Fax.

You have a conflict with drivers over lapping really teh best approach is to clear the system of all drivers related to audio and video if necessary. in SAFEMODE.
Alternative is run a repair re-install.

 

by: MeretePosted on 2007-08-24 at 21:11:52ID: 19766738

that should have stated open device manager then VIEW show hidden devices.

 

by: maumau222Posted on 2007-08-26 at 08:41:57ID: 19771324

To all - My sincere thanks for your help.  In the end I had to do a repair reinstall of XP.  I then encoutered the "Windows security updates failed" dragon but found the agent software and overcame that.
The on-board sound card now works and I've decided to ditch the Diamond card as I am really tired of messing with this.  Sound id sound, sort of, and it is sweet indeed to hear anything coming form this beast.

In conclusion, seems this is a problem  that occurs when upgrading to XP SP2.  I tried all the solutions proposed and finally had to reinstall.   btw Forgotten, I did check the services as you suggested.  The Windows sound service was running.  I tried disabling and restarting but no cigar.

Expert Exchange is the best investment I have ever made.  Thanks again!  

 

by: MeretePosted on 2007-08-26 at 16:15:42ID: 19772638

wow it is a pleasure to have assisted you wish I could have done more.
Thank you very much.
Regards Merete

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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