Member Avatar for wenwen

hi der...
erm.. i got a prob here.. my audio devices couldnt be detected n i found a yellow exclaimation mark beside my ac97 audio devices.. its say dat code(10), 'this device cannot be started'
can anyone please kindly help me?? thanks a bunch~

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Catweazle

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A focused troubleshooting checklist to follow when Device Manager flags an AC97 audio device with Code 10 — building on 's point about motherboard-level drivers.

  1. Get the exact device identity. In Device Manager open the problematic device, Properties -> Details -> select Hardware Ids. That PCI VEN/DEV string lets you find the precise codec/vendor (Realtek, Conexant, VIA, etc.) instead of guessing from an "AC97" label. See Microsoft guidance on hardware IDs: .

  2. Use the correct driver from the board or codec vendor (download the driver package for the motherboard model or the codec vendor) and make sure its OS/bitness matches the installed Windows. Avoid mismatching AC97 vs HD Audio packages.

  3. Remove the old driver cleanly: uninstall the device in Device Manager and, if shown, check the option to delete the driver software. Reboot and install the downloaded driver manually (use "Have Disk" if needed).

  4. Check BIOS settings for onboard audio (AC97/Azalia/HD Audio toggles). If the controller is disabled in firmware the driver cannot start. Resetting BIOS defaults can help; updating/flashing BIOS should be a last resort and only with the vendor file and exact board model.

  5. Rule out hardware by booting a Linux live image (for example, Ubuntu Live) — if sound works there the problem is software/driver related; if not, the onboard codec may be faulty.

  6. If the device still reports Code 10 after correct driver/BIOS steps, consult Microsoft’s error-code notes for Device Manager: . A persistent Code 10 often means a driver/hardware mismatch or a failed codec, in which case a USB/PCI sound card is a practical fallback.

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Member Avatar for Catweazle

You have to help us first. Is the audio in your PC onboard audio or is it an add-in expansion card? The exclamation mark shows that the device is not installed correctly. You haven't got the device drivers loaded. You should have got an installation CD for it.

Member Avatar for wenwen

its on my PC onboard audio.. i got the installation disc and tried dozen times reinstalling it bt stil the same problem.. the problem occured after i reformat my pc.. thanx for ur kind reply yea..

Member Avatar for Catweazle

You might need to install the motherboard chipset drivers first.

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