Most of the Pc world go on and update there drivers on top of driver on top of drivers. Not knowing that in the long run and somtimes in the short run this can lead to trouble.
We all know ATI and Nvidia come out with new drivers faster than Microsoft can pacth the pacth that was supposed to be pacthed.
When installin new (we will just mention video drivers here) drivers they go to the windows folder and there own individual folders. Yet if you take a look you will see all the old drivers as well.
I have long suggested you clean the old drivers out first then installin the new drivers.
Here is a usefull free, spyware free program that does it automaticly with very little keyboard punhing involved for the user. All you have to do is make sure you pick the right drivers albeit ATI Nvidia or Soundblaster etc.
Use the program DriverCleaner reboot and install the new drivers. Yes it is as simple as its read. Hope this helps you out..
Driver Cleaner