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