download a copy of the sound drivers and install them. It's not uncommon for Dell to put several sets of drivers on their resource CDs. That way it will work for a variety of computer configurations. If you can't find the drivers at Dell.com, try driverguide.com. You must register but it ia free.
http://members.driverguide.com/index.php
Hi
I recently reinstalled WinXP on a Dell Laptop and am having sound trouble. Nothing inside the box has been touched...
Multimedia Audio Controller (under 'Other devices') in Device Manager has an exclamation (and question) mark beside it. I've tried every option here (besides uninstalling the device) but have had no luck.
Hardware scan via XP help and support center says the sound card isn't installed. Before the XP reinstall it showed a SigmaTel C-Major Audio card with driver file 'stac97.sys'.
I'm unable to install SIGMATEL STAC 9750 AC97 audio driver from Dell resources cd, even though it is the detected device driver for my system - when I go to install it a 'Severe' dialogue box appears with the message: ''Device object not present, restart system and run setup again''.
FWIW, WMP says there is a 'problem with your sound device'.
Any help/pointers appreciated - I need to hear some sounds!
Cheers
K.

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