If you have experienced a Windows "No Audio Device" error, it most likely means
that your sound card is not installed properly. Even though other problems can
cause this error, an improperly installed sound card is the most common reason.
If the audio card isn't properly connected in the motherboard or you do not have
an audio controller connected, you will get this error. Also, it is possible
that the device you are trying to use is not compatible to the motherboard you
are using.
Troubleshooting the most common error
Here are a few steps to take to solve the most common error, an improperly
installed card:
You will first need to find your audio controlling device or controller. This
controller is what gives you the ability to adjust the sound for everything.
From your start menu, go to your control panel. Then, go to add hardware and
search for the hardware yourself. Don't let the computer search for it
automatically, because if it is improperly installed it may not be seen. Then,
scroll down to sound devices and search for your audio controller. Check the
properties of the device, and see if it is installed properly. If it isn't
installed properly you will see a yellow highlighted question mark beside the
device's name
- The best way to solve this problem is to uninstall your sound card and drivers. You will reboot, enter the bios, disable the onboard audio, game port, and midi. Then boot back into windows, go to add remove programs and make sure that any programs for the device was removed.
Next, you should reinstall the sound card and drivers. It is possible driver
updates have been made since the sound card was manufactured and released, so it
is a good idea to visit the manufacturer's site and see if there are driver
updates. Once you do this, restart the computer again. The problem is (more than
likely) the default device in audio properties is still the onboard, you can
select the creative devices and it will probably work, but it will be better to
disable the onboard all together.
Uninstalling and reinstalling the sound card will more than likely fix your
problem.
Other troubleshooting tips
If you are still experiencing difficulties, try these other troubleshooting
ideas.
- If you think your sound card may be 'dead', before buying a new one, I would recommend borrowing one that is fully functioning from a friend, if possible, and installing that one to see if the error is in the card itself.
- Try using a different PCi slot, that way windows may detect it as new instead of trying to reconfigure it on the slots its currently on. This can also help you to determine whether one of the slots are bad.
- If you have an onboard sound card but are trying to use a sound card you bought separately, ensure the onboard one is disabled.
Always ensure the sound card you purchase is compatible with your board. If it
doesn’t say on the packaging, do a little research online prior to the purchase.