"No Audio Device" suddenly on Windows XP, how do I fix this?

Question

Just to fill you in:

• A long time ago I started using a headset on my laptop (Toshiba) for online conferences. Sound worked fine for both the headset and the built-in speakers on the laptop.
• About a month ago the built-in speakers stopped working, and I could only hear things through my headset.
• I recently lost my headset so now I can't hear anything.
• When checking the Control Panel, and clicking on Sounds and Audio Devices, it says "No Audio Device" and all options are disabled.
• When opening up the Device Manager, the  "Other Devices" directory is open and all of the devices listed in it have yellow question mark icons with small exclamation points next to them.
• I tried uninstalling the devices listed in the "Other Devices" directory and letting Window reinstall them upon reboot--I read to do that on another site--but each time I did it nothing changed.
• The Sounds, Video and Game Controllers directory has 5 things listed in it: Audio Codecs, Legacy Audio Drivers, Legacy Video Capture Devices, Media Control Devices, Video Codecs. None of these have any warning icons next to them.
• When right-clicking on each and selecting "update driver", they each come back saying that "could not find a better match than the software you currently have installed". I'm not sure if it's just checking my system or if it's checking the internet also.

So what options am I left with now? I need to do some work with videos, both watching them on Media Player and editing them in Movie Maker, and I keep being told that the "required audio hardware can not be found" and I can't use either application.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi TiJuanWells,

Check to see of the Sound devices show in device manager by completing the following steps:

• Click on Start
• Right-Click on My Computer
• Select Manage
• Select Device Manager
• Expand Sound, video and game controllers

If the devices are there and are not installed, right-click on the device and install or update the drivers.

Answer 2

Well, nothing that U have suggested makes sound emit from my speakers.  The solutions ask that I must have a Cd.  If I had that/them, I w/b okay.

Answer 3

I am having the same problem , I can't get the generic driver either for the sound . I think they will have to be purchased ,,I don't know why Microsoft didn't leave those available they had done that in the past with Window 95 , Windows 98 , Window NT and SE , never had a Vista it was trash

Answer 4

Thank you so much. I have gone months with no sound!! So happy now my 5 year old can use Windows XP without using my laptop! :) You're a life saver Dena!