Member Avatar for Francoz

Hi, just yesturday i reformatted my computer and there was no sound. i Reintalled Windows XP and all, and now i have no sound. i have quite a bit of knowledge in computers (the basics) and i would really apreciate every piece of help. thank you

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Seeing "Multimedia Audio Controller" under Other Devices means Windows does not have the correct driver for the audio controller — the missing driver is the most likely cause rather than a physical fault. As pointed toward drivers and recommended dxdiag/volume checks, the checklist below fills the gaps and gives concrete steps that work when Windows Update fails.

  1. Check BIOS/firmware and speakers: at boot enter Setup (common keys on older Dells: F2 or DEL) and confirm any "Onboard Audio" / "Integrated Audio" entry is Enabled. Verify speakers/headphones and power connections, and test with headphones to rule out broken speakers.

  2. Get the exact hardware ID (this avoids guessing the vendor): in Device Manager, right‑click the Multimedia Audio Controller → Properties → Details tab → Hardware Ids. An ID looks like:

    PCI\VEN_1234&DEV_5678&SUBSYS_...

    Copy the VEN_xxxx and DEV_xxxx strings and search for "VEN_1234 DEV_5678 driver" or use the system model/Service Tag on the OEM support site to download the matching audio driver (chipset driver sometimes required first).

  3. Manual install sequence: install chipset/INF drivers before the audio driver. In Device Manager use Update Driver → Browse my computer → Let me pick → Have Disk and point to the folder with the vendor .inf if automatic search fails. Avoid unknown third‑party driver updaters; prefer Dell/motherboard vendor or Microsoft Update Catalog drivers for XP-era hardware.

  4. If a driver installs but no sound: ensure the Windows Audio service is running (services.msc → Windows Audio set to Automatic and Started), run dxdiag → Sound tab to test, and confirm the correct Playback device is set and not muted in Control Panel → Sounds and Audio Devices.

If the exact driver cannot be found, using a low-cost USB audio adapter or PCI sound card will restore sound quickly on an older system. For a Dell system without a visible Service Tag, check the case sticker or the BIOS System Information screen to identify the model for driver downloads.

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Member Avatar for lasher511

try installing the onboard sound drivers for your mobo

Member Avatar for Francoz

try installing the onboard sound drivers for your mobo

How do u do that?

Member Avatar for lasher511

Sorry i could not answer in more detail yesterday i was very busy and had to race off halfway through the answer. When you bought your computer it would have come with some restore disks try checking on there and seeing if there is an all-in-one driver on that disc. If so install that. otherwise if your network port is working and you have access to the internet then try using windows to search and install the drivers for you. To do this:

1. click start
2. Right-click on my computer->Go to properties
3. Hit the hardware tab up the top
4. Then click on device manager
5. Go down to sound,audio and video controllers
6.double click on anything that has a yellow question mark next to it and use windows to search the internet for the correct drivers

Member Avatar for Francoz

No need 2 be Sorry, well ok.. umh when i go to device manager, nothing has a yellow mark next to it. i see the following :

Audio Codecs
Legacy Audio Driver
legacy video capture device
media control devices
video codecs

Hwever, there is a yellow exclamtion point on
Other Devices...
Multimedia audio controller

As for the system Restore CD... i dont know which one it is cuz i have a bunch of CDs that came with my comp its a Dell Intel Pentium 4 w/ home edition XP 2.0Ghz (i baught it 4 years ago)

Member Avatar for Francoz

oh and if i try to reinstall or update "Multimedia Audio Controller" it says "the hardware was not installed because the wizard cannot find the necessary software"

Member Avatar for lasher511

Are you selecting the search for correct files using the internet option on there. If not make sure u are connected to the internet. otherwise it might be a good idea to call Dell customer support and see what they say about your sound drivers they might acctually have a website that you can download the audio controller from.

Member Avatar for Francoz

Are you selecting the search for correct files using the internet option on there. If not make sure u are connected to the internet.

yea i did that... so i should call Dell? thers no other way?

Member Avatar for Francoz

Are you selecting the search for correct files using the internet option on there. If not make sure u are connected to the internet. otherwise it might be a good idea to call Dell customer support and see what they say about your sound drivers they might acctually have a website that you can download the audio controller from.

Cant Call them because i dont have a "Express Service Code" or something

Member Avatar for Shum

Check the sound device in device manager. Also run dxdiag and see if there are any problems. When ur computer is booting up check if the sound device is listed. Lastly uninstall and reinstall ur drivers. If this doesnt work check if the volume settings are correct.

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