Hello there!
I've just inherited a pc - my first would you believe (been using at work for years tho so I know which way up it goes!).
Anyway, there's not a peep out of it. I have two working speakers plugged in, there's no sound card (yet) but there aren't even any system noises.
Any ideas?
Michael

Hi hobbington!
Welcome to PC Help Forum!

There are several things that can cause this problem.
First, are you sure your sound volume is up?

What operating system do you use?

Bluefish

Hi; thanks for your reply.
Ok, I'm using Windows 2000 5.00.2195 Service Pack 4
When I open the Sounds & Multimedia Properties from the Control Panel, I'm unable to play any of the system sounds (the right arrow is greyed out) & I'm also unable to adjust the volume - it's set at minimum but it won't let me do anything...
And when I try to play an audio cd, I get the following message:

0xC00D11BA: Cannot play the file

Windows Media Player cannot play the file because there is a problem with your sound device, such as a sound card or sound controller. You may encounter this error message for one of the following reasons:

• Your sound device is in use by another program. Quit other programs that may be using your sound device, and then try to play the file again.
• Your sound device is not functioning properly. To troubleshoot the problem, see the Sound Troubleshooter in Windows Help or refer to your sound device's documentation.
• You do not have a sound device installed on your computer. Install a sound device, and then try to play the file again.

Error ID = 0xC00D11BA, Condition ID = 0x00000000


Any guidance greatly appreciated!

Hey,

Are you sure you've installed a sound driver? The easiest way to install one is going to windowsupdate.microsoft.com and let it automaticly check for updates.

Hi hobbington!

I think there's something wrong with your soundcard, or it's not installed.
Can you check your device manager to see if there's any sign of a soundcard in there?
There might be an (!) with it.
You can go to Device manager right-clicking on My Computer, select Properties, and then go to Hardware -> Device Manager.
If you don't know what to look for you may also post back a screenshot.

Bluefish

Thanks Sheilis - it's currently installing 23 updates!

Bluefish (this is where my ignorance REALLY shows), I know I don't have a sound card installed but shouldn't the pc make some noises anyway?? Even the odd beep??
Having looked at a few pc retailers websites, I think I know what a sound card is supposed to look like. I was going to plunder my girlfriend's pc (hers does have sound but she never uses it) but when I opened it up, I couldn't see anything obvious. What should I be looking for???

Sorry now I see, I misunderstood you at that point cause you mentioned that there were speakers plugged in?
The beeps you would like to hear does not depend on a soundcard but on a small speaker that's in your case. It's connected directly to the mainboard.
Also you girlfriends sound may be on-board, so it's on the mainboard and you are unable to use it for your own PC.