Sound Card Blues Many readers have asked questions about
sound cards, e.g. "Why doesn't my sound card work? Why can't
I record with my sound card? Why can't I use my sound card for making
telephone calls?" This article addresses these and other sound
card problems and applies to all versions of Windows.
First things first - Installing hardware and software. There
are two main causes for sound card problems: hardware problems and
software problems.
Hardware problems address the capabilities of your computer
(system RAM, available ISA or PCI card slots etc.) and the physical
installation of the sound card and its cables.
If you purchased your computer as a complete system, the likelihood
of a hardware problem should be small (unless you have been working
inside your computer, then you should check to make sure you didn't
knock any cables loose). Those that have installed their own sound
cards should pull out their installation manual and ensure all connections
are correct.
Software problems address the Windows drivers used to communicate
with the sound card, and the software programs that will use the
sound card.
Software drivers are available from the computer or sound card manufacturer
and are freely downloadable from their web sites. (Hint:
Many sound problems can be resolved by downloading and installing
newly updated sound drivers.)
How do you know if your sound card is functioning
correctly? After your sound card is installed, you should test
it to make sure it functions properly. Most sound cards come with
a test file. You should use the manufacturer's test file to make sure
your card is functioning correctly.
Microsoft Windows Sound Card Test There are also
several test that can be performed from Windows. Microsoft recommends
the following procedure:
"Verify that Windows can play .wav files:
- Click Start, point to Settings, and then click
Control Panel.
- Double-click the Sounds icon.
- Under Events, click an event that has a loudspeaker icon
next to it.
- In the Name text box, be sure that the three-letter file
extension is ".wav".
- Under Preview, click the Play button. You should
hear a sound.
If you don't hear any sounds, or if Windows is not able to play a
.wav file, check to see that a sound driver is enabled:
- Click Start, point to Settings, and then click
Control Panel.
- Double-click the System icon.
- Click the Device Manager tab.
- Click the plus sign next to Sound, Video And Game Controllers.
- If there is no Sound, Video And Game Controllers entry,
or you have no sound card listed under this entry, contact the
manufacturer of the computer or sound card and request help reinstalling
the sound card drivers.
"
<If you have entries in the Sound, Video And Game
Controllers and that have yellow or red question marks, Xs, or
exclamations, then you may have a hardware problem known as an IRQ
conflict. An IRQ conflict means that two conflicting devices are trying
to use the same hardware interrupt address. The resolution is to move
one of the conflicting devices to a new address. Please see our Tech
Advice issue entitled, IRQ Surgery,
for details on resolving IRQ conflicts.>
Resolving sound card recording and telephone issues.
One of the most common problems associated with sound card recording
and telephone issues is the lack of a properly functioning full-duplex
sound card. A full-duplex sound card is capable of both playing
and recording sounds at the same time.
So how do you know if you have a properly functioning full-duplex
sound card? If your sound card is not full-duplex your recording program
will produce a "Can't open sound" error message when you
try to record.
If your sound card is supposed to be full-duplex capable,
has no IRQ conflicts, and you have downloaded and installed the latest
sound drivers -- then its time to send an e-mail to your manufacturer's
tech support and ask them for help.
Resolving sound problems with games that use DirectX.
Please see our article, Help
Getting that New Game Running - Instead of Crashing, for specific
procedures when dealing with DirectX problems.
Resolving other sound problems with software.
You have followed all the advice in this article and your software
still can not play sounds or record properly, however, your sound
card has passed all the other tests. What do you do now?
Well believe it or not, it is a very common thing to have sound problems
with new software. It is the software manufacturer's responsibility
to resolve theses conflicts. Usually the manufacturer will supply
downloadable software patches to address these problems. Visit your
software manufacturer's web site to find patches or to request e-mail
tech support.
Useful Sound Card Links
1.
Hut.fi Sound Card Tips - Good recording and microphone
tips.
2. ComputerHope.com
- Good introduction to sound cards and problem resolution.
