small overview:
Windows Vista Home Premium (SP2)
the computer is a Toshiba Satellite U305, with a sound card that is integrated into the motherboard

Recently, when I boot my computer, I won't get any sound coming out of the on-board speekers. The taskbar volume icon has a small X over it, and displays the message "no audio output device installed" when hovered over. In the sound menue, under playback devices tab, it says the same message. I haven't made any major changes to the system when this happened, and it's starting to bug me. If I connect an external USB soundcard, everything works fine through that, but I cannot get my internal speakers to respond! I've tried looking for viruses, safe mode, system restore, etc. and I haven't had any luck.

Also, around the same time, explorer.exe hasn't been starting with windows, and I'd have to start it manually with the task manager. Could these two problems be connected? Thanks!

Hello Limescout, Welcome to PC Help Forum!

I am sure one of our great techs or helpful members will be able to provide some answers for you

I have marked your thread as open to encourage others to come take a look!

Somebody will be with you shortly!

Regards,

Smokeycheech

hello limescout
what is the full model name and number please ,its usually given on a sticker underneath

it is... (checking sticker)

model name: Satellite U305 S5107
Part #: PSU34U - 004003

If you need any other info just ask

Thanks so much for helping me out

hello limescout
well from what you describe it appears that it has "lost" the drivers for your sound somehow, could you go here Download Vista drivers:=

and download the driver and install please

sorry it may be exactly the same, but this link Model Content Page
is exactly for your model use the refine search for your system (vista) and select sound for the type,can you download from here please and install this

I have installed the sound driver and rebooted my computer, and it seems as if nothing has changed. A quick note, a lot of other websites are saying that this sort of problem could be virus-related. Could this be true? Thank you for your help