OK, so today I have more information.

I'm actually getting two error boxes when I start up windows. One says:"Generic Host Process for Win32 Services has encountered a problem and needs to close..."

The other one says: svchost.exe. - Application Error. The instruction at 0xsomething referenced memory at 0x0. The memory could not be read.

I have an Intel D915GAG motherboard running BIOS EV91510A.86A.0478.

I'm using onboard sound: Intel Realtak HD Audio Controller. Audio codec ALC860... not sure how to find more info on this?

I have sndvol32.exe in my system32 folder. If I try to run it I get the same error as when I click on the volume control on the task bar.

One thing I think is weird: I have a Realtek HD Audio Manager installed as well, which has a little 3D audio demo... if I try to play the demo it works fine! nothing else works though. mp3s, system sounds ect.

I'm going to try a bios update as well as an audio driver update.


Thanks for any help

So I downloaded the latest BIOS Update and the latest audio drivers from the Intel site.

Problem Solved:
1. Removed old drivers through add remove programs.
2. Ran the BIOS Update.
3. Actually heard the windows startup music on restart, and could open the volume control at this point.
4. Installed the audio drivers.
5. I can hear! I can hear!

Ok, so thanks for any help.