The Software Patch shows there is a new driver available for Realtek AC'97, but I haven't been able to download it. I've tried other sites but no luck with any of them either.
I was watching the details of the addresses in the lower left corner of my screen, and it looked as if every site I tried was trying to contact the same address, which is the annoying part. Spybot, for example, has a list of sites where you can download the updates every week. I wish Realtek would do the same.

Hmmm....

A bit confused.

AC'97 audio drivers are usually manufacturer specific.

In general there is no need to update. Are you having sound problems?

The best source of your audio driver is your computer manufacturers web site.

I thought AC-97 was Realtek's own code, jephree. Anyhow, I was just checking at the Software Patch for new drivers and found the new Realtek driver listed in their other updates.
http://www.softwarepatch.com/index.html
So I'm trying to get a download happening right now. The message down in the corner is "Connecting to 202.65.194.212" - that just changed to "Done", but no download starting.

Works for me. It does take time. If you are not having sound problems I see no need to update.

Okay, I'll try again.
I'm not having any problems BTW, just thought I'd keep the software up to date.

EDIT - Started straight away... damn computers messin' with my head.

If it's not broken....