I have a dell computer that runs windows xp. im not a complete idiot but im not very computer savvy. I was messing around a few weeks ago trying to clean up my system from the previuos owners stuff . i dont know what i did but I dont have sound anymore Ive tried going thru and fixing stuff but i dont know what to do it says i dont have any devices loaded. but when i check manage devise or run the a sound thing it says my devivices are running properly. I dont think its my sound card cause it still dings when i start up ...please guide me thanks JJ P.S. I dont have the xp cd anymore or I would justr restart the whole thing from scratch ...

First thing I would do is reinstall the DRIVER for the sound card - just to make sure. If u are not getting sound then we can look into settings within windows. If it is not the settings then we look into the speakers. cables and the sound card.

QUICK CHECKS
1. Double check that your audio cables are plugged in to the sound card (green on green and the red on red

2. Make sure the VOLUME SETTINGS for windows is not muted. (control panel - sound and audio device - VOLUME: device volume)

3. Make sure that your speakers are powered on

NOW TO CHECK SETTINGS
4. Go to Control Panel - Sound & Audio Devices and u will see 5 tabs. We're going to work with three of them: Volume, Audio and Sound

Volume Tab
a. In Volume: Under Device Volume, make sure it is not MUTED out
b. In Volume:, cllick on ADVANCED and make sure no options are muted out

c. In Volume: Speaker Settings: SPEAKER VOLUME: make sure the left and right volume are at least in the middle
c. In Volume: Speaker Settings: ADVANCED - SPEAKERS: Make sure under Speaker Setup, u have something selected and that "No Speakers" isn't selected.

NEXT: Next Audio Tab
1b. Click on AUDIO TAB and make sure ur sound card is selected for Sound PlayBack & Sound

NEXT: Sound Tab
1c. Click on SOUNDS TAB and under the heading "Program Events" click on any of those sounds Critical Stop etc. See if u get audio out for WAVE FILES.

NOW TEST FOR AUDIO AGAIN
OK now that we've messed with all these settings let's see if u can play AUDIO FILES from a CD:

4. Put a music CD in the CD drive and see if it will play what is on the CD


=====
If u get sound from the WAVE files and from CD AUDIO files then u're good to go. If u don't after doing all of this.

You can just restore your windows.

1. 1st Click on Start.
2. Click on All Programs
3. Then click on Accessories
4. Click on System tools Then
5. Click on System Restore.
6. System Restore window appears
7. Then check this option
8. Restore my computer to an earlier time.
9. Click on next
10. Click on date where you want to restore your system then click on next.
11. And the Restore wizard will start.
12. After sometime the computer will restart.
13. After this hope your problem will solve.

Many Dell PCs have an internal speaker that will allow sounds and even music to play - it is just not as good as the external types that offer sub woofers and stereo sound. As long as you're hearing the familiar Windows Sounds and not simple beeps - your sound card drivers are probably ok.

This makes me think that you've either inserted the speaker plug into the wrong jack on the PC or have an issue with the speakers themselves. Generally, these jacks are color coded. If yours are, make sure that speakers are connected to the GREEN jack. If not color coded there should be an indication of an arrow pointing OUT or a speaker icon near the speaker jack. If still no luck, it is possible that the cord between the plug and the speakers has gotten pinched or broken. Try plugging a pair oh head phones into the jack - or plug the speakers into another device with a speaker jack. I'm pretty sure you'll get your answer after doing that. Some final thoughts: Maybe your speakers need power? Are they plugged in? Is the outlet powered? Is there a power indicator? Is the volume knob turned to minimum?

If you still have problems - provide the model number of your Dell PC and we can dig some more - but I think you'll find the problem if you follow the steps above.

I hope this was Very Helpful - and good luck!