| If you have experienced a Windows "No Audio | | | | Next, you should reinstall the sound card and |
| Device" error, it most likely means that your | | | | drivers. It is possible driver updates have been |
| sound card is not installed properly. Even though | | | | made since the sound card was manufactured |
| other problems can cause this error, an | | | | and released, so it is a good idea to visit the |
| improperly installed sound card is the most | | | | manufacturer's site and see if there are driver |
| common reason. If the audio card isn't properly | | | | updates. Once you do this, restart the computer |
| connected in the motherboard or you do not | | | | again. The problem is (more than likely) the |
| have an audio controller connected, you will get | | | | default device in audio properties is still the |
| this error. Also, it is possible that the device you | | | | onboard, you can select the creative devices and |
| are trying to use is not compatible to the | | | | it will probably work, but it will be better to disable |
| motherboard you are using. | | | | the onboard all together. |
| Troubleshooting the most common error | | | | Uninstalling and reinstalling the sound card will more |
| Here are a few steps to take to solve the most | | | | than likely fix your problem. |
| common error, an improperly installed card: | | | | Other troubleshooting tips |
| You will first need to find your audio controlling | | | | If you are still experiencing difficulties, try these |
| device or controller. This controller is what gives | | | | other troubleshooting ideas. |
| you the ability to adjust the sound for everything. | | | | • If you think your sound card may be |
| From your start menu, go to your control panel. | | | | 'dead', before buying a new one, I would |
| Then, go to add hardware and search for the | | | | recommend borrowing one that is fully functioning |
| hardware yourself. Don't let the computer search | | | | from a friend, if possible, and installing that one to |
| for it automatically, because if it is improperly | | | | see if the error is in the card itself. |
| installed it may not be seen. Then, scroll down to | | | | • Try using a different PCi slot, that way |
| sound devices and search for your audio | | | | windows may detect it as new instead of trying |
| controller. Check the properties of the device, and | | | | to reconfigure it on the slots its currently on. This |
| see if it is installed properly. If it isn't installed | | | | can also help you to determine whether one of |
| properly you will see a yellow highlighted question | | | | the slots are bad. |
| mark beside the device's name | | | | • If you have an onboard sound card |
| • The best way to solve this problem is | | | | but are trying to use a sound card you bought |
| to uninstall your sound card and drivers. You will | | | | separately, ensure the onboard one is disabled. |
| reboot, enter the bios, disable the onboard audio, | | | | Always ensure the sound card you purchase is |
| game port, and midi. Then boot back into | | | | compatible with your board. If it doesn't say on |
| windows, go to add remove programs and make | | | | the packaging, do a little research online prior to |
| sure that any programs for the device was | | | | the purchase. |
| removed. | | | | |