Windows 7 Strange Sound Driver Problem (AC'97)

It appears that you are experiencing sound issues with an older motherboard, specifically the Elitegroup RS482-M, running Windows 7. The audio device you are trying to configure is the "IXP SB400 AC'97 Audio Controller" by ATI Technologies Inc., as per your device information. Here are some troubleshooting steps and suggestions to resolve the sound problem: 1. Driver Compatibility: - Older motherboards like the Elitegroup RS482-M might have compatibility issues with newer operating systems like Windows 7. Ensure that you are using drivers specifically designed for Windows 7 64-bit. 2. Driver Installation: - When installing drivers, try running them in compatibility mode. Right-click on the driver executable, go to Properties, then Compatibility tab, and select an older version of Windows (e.g., Windows XP) to run the driver setup. 3. Device Manager Check: - Verify in the Device Manager that there are no exclamation marks or warnings next to the audio device. This indicates that the driver is properly installed. 4. Default Playback Device: - Ensure that the correct playback device is set as default. Right-click on the volume icon in the taskbar, select Playback devices, and set your speakers as the default device. 5. Windows Audio Service: - Check if the Windows Audio service is running. Press Win + R, type "services.msc," and press Enter. Look for "Windows Audio" in the list and ensure it is set to Automatic and running. 6. BIOS Settings: - In some cases, onboard audio can be disabled in the BIOS. Enter the BIOS settings during boot (usually by pressing Del, F2, or F12) and verify that the onboard audio is enabled. 7. System Update: - Make sure your Windows 7 system is up to date with all the latest updates. Sometimes, updates can include driver fixes. 8. Testing with Headphones: - Try connecting headphones directly to the audio output to see if there is any sound. This can help isolate whether the issue is with the drivers or the speakers. By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the sound issues on your system. If the problem persists, additional steps may be required, such as trying different driver versions or considering external sound solutions as a workaround.