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RogueAce

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Aaaaargh! MIDI problems!

Ok, this one's kind of weird. MIDI won't play, much. If I tell my computer to play a mid, it'll play some random notes, followed by a lot of silence, followed by a few more random notes. Both Windows Media Player and WinAmp have this problem. All other media that I have (.wav, .raw, .mp3, .mp2, .mod) play fine, and Media Player works except for MIDI files. Device Manager says that I don't have any problems with any devices. I am using an Aureal A3D Semiconductor PCI card. It plays using the device 338-A3D Audio. It also has a 338-A3D MPU-401 interface, which is disabled by me because it won't play (don't have a MPU-401 or whatever). It worked fine like this for about 6 months. Then, all of a sudden, this problem happened. I have tried re-enabling the MPU-401 interface, and no change.
This problem has me stumped! Anything you can do to help will be GREATLY appreciated!!!
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1cell
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biard

Also, go into BIOS and set IRQ 5 for Legacy ISA instead of Auto (yes, I know you have a PCI sound card, but I've seen it work with some of the newer systems with all resources used and a PCI sound card involved).
Don't use mpu 401.

Its actually an external replacement for the internal sounds of a Midi synth or wavetable.

In Control panel sound and multimedia there should be something like an audio option.
Within this should be midi.
You have to select a preffered type midi sound output.

If there is no option then you either have a selection available with A3d's control program or i would suggest you uninstall the A3D in win98's system devices menu.

reboot and then use the original install drivers when win98 detects the card or run the setup program first and if available upgrade the drivers.

I don't have experience with the A3d so it may be partially different to how i described.

netmage
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biard: Is it ALWAYS IRQ 5 to reset? I think my sound card uses IRQ 9 and reserves IRQ 5 for Sound Blaster Pro emulation (for older games/apps).

netmage: My options on preferred type are: PCI 338-A3D Playback
     Game Compatable Device
     Voice Modem Wave #00 line

Selecting any of these donsn't change the situation.

Thanks for the help so far!

Rogue
Yes, but on some resource hungry systems, if IRQ 5 is not legacy isa, it will not work properly.  that card sounds familiar too, like one out of a powerspec computer.
Well, 1cell's suggestion worked. I finally got some updated drivers, and they fixed the problem quite nicely. Thinks for the help, everyone, and 1cell, please repost as an answer for your points!
Rogue
Oops-forgot about "acccept as answer!"

Thanks, and Happy new year!
Rogue
wow, that was almost too easy, I rarely get my first stab accepted.  Glad I could help
Yeah, go and make me feel stupid, why don't you :). J/K. Thanks, again, to everyone who helped.
Rogue
you are very welcome.