How do I get the sound back on my windows xp dell computer?

dredhardy: How do I get the sound back on my windows xp dell computer?
About 2 months ago my windows was due for an update, and I guess (strong possibility this may be the cause) after the update there was no sound. I tried checking my volume control but it just says “There are no active mixer devices available. To install mixer devices, go to control panel click printers and other hardware, and then click Add hardware” …..My computer wont even let me perform a sytem restore….i tried pressing start -run- i typed in services.msc. i right clicked windows audio and pressed Properties….my startup type is already on automatic and my service status is on start…….im running out of options here PLZZZZZ HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

Answers and Views:

Answer by Chelsea
I’m having the same problem. It’s happened to me before too, but last time all I had to do was unplug everything and replug and it worked. Try that?

But now, I did that, and it won’t work.
So I hope someone can give you a better answer than me. xD

Answer by BlackBelt1
Just re-install the sound driver from dell.com
It will fix it

Answer by Desert Rat
Maybe I can help, I have had my old computer do this before when I installed updates. Sadly i had XP back then, and now i have vista so explaining this will get tricky. Hopefully your a quick learner.

-right-click on the My Computer icon and select Properties. This would display your system properties.
-From there click on hardware tab and select device manager.
-find Sound, video and game controllers section, expand it.
-Now there should be an option, idk what it would be for your specific system, it depends on your card. Realtek seems to be common for manufacture computers.
-Right click on that and pick properties.
-Go to the driver tab and select roll-back drivers.

If this doesn’t work. I really don’t know what to say. You could always buy a new sound card, you can get them extremely cheap and it will definitely fix the problem.

*edit* The person above me mentioned reinstalling your drivers from dell.com, which is good if you happen to know your computer’s model and/or your motherboard model, and would be better then rolling back.

Answer by Gilbert
well you might have whacked the Drivers for the sound so I think you should reinstall the sound driver. Check the Mobo driver CD I think it has the driver for it. But if you misplaced you it I think you should first know what is the model of your mother board then check the Dell’s site for available drivers for it.

Answer by Molly Smith
I have experienced the bad graphics card update via the device manager. I have tried everything as you do but failed. I was forced to download a driver update tool to get my PC back. The good software on the market：Driver Checker,Driver Agent… I tried Driver Checker due to the big discounts and it worked.