Problem with Realtek AC97

[Ally]

Hi,

For rather a long time now, the Realtek AC97 device on my E Systems 3083 laptop (with Windows XP) has not been loading when I switch the computer on. If you look under Sounds and Audio Devices on the Control Panel it just says No Audio Device. I haven't uninstalled it or done anything else dodgy, so I can't see any reason why this happens. Usually it does load if I restart the computer (sometimes on the second or third restart...) and everything is normal. However, for the last week or so, it just hasn't been loading no matter how many times I restart. I've tried reinstalling the drivers as advised on another thread, but no luck. I've also had problems with the computer switching itself off, due to dust getting in the fan and making it stop working and the computer therefore overheating. Could this have affected the sound card? (however, this problem is fairly recent so I don't think it's the original cause of my sound problems) And is there anything I can do to get my sound back??

Thanks!

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Ally and welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help mate.

Considering this is a laptop and is a motherboard mounted sound system, there is very little we can do if this turns out to be a hardware problem, but first we need to know a little more.

Do you have service pack three installed yet?

Also the drivers you say you tried, which ones, and where did you download them from?

[Tootech]

It may be worth taking your laptop to a computer repair shop to have a look at the overheating issues. They should be skilled enough to remove the heatsink and fan assembly, clean it, test it and reinstall it.

 

Also, try uninstalling the sound drivers, rebooting and reinstalling them.

 

I managed to find the drivers here:

 

http://support.pcworld.co.uk/layout.aspx?ID={42df094d-360a-4f6b-aa83-eb11f29443d1}&CatID={a24e2b87-8faf-4c9b-bb07-aba134305320}

[Ally]

Hi, thanks for the replies! The drivers I tried were the ones in Tootech's link. I've just tried uninstalling and reinstalling again but no luck. I've also just tried to install Service Pack 3 but for some reason it keeps failing. All the other updates work, just not that one. The fan has also been recently taken out and cleaned and the overheating thing seems to be ok now. Just no sound! Plastic Nev - I thought there'd be not a lot I can do if it's a hardware problem :( Guess I'd better start shopping for a new one!

[confused janny]

this may not be much help but i had realtek and my pc kept crashing..i uninstalled it restarded th pc and let windows search for a sound driver..its been ok since

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Ally, our fear is that the recent overheating problem may have domaged the chip or chips involved. Hence Tootechs advice to take it to be looked at and get an estimate of what it may take to repair. Although it may be a bit near £100 mark if the mother board requires replacement, that is still cheaper than a new machine.