I have an acer extensa 4420 (vista basic) and after a recent automatic update the sound doesn't work anymore. I've tried updating the driver but the search said I had the latest version available... which is weird because when you move the cursor over the speaker icon on the status bar in the bottom rh corner of the screen it says "no audio output device is installed" my computer savvy is basic at best so any and all help would be appreciated

Try the driver here. They do not allow direct link so follow the prompts:

Acer Support - Drivers & Download

Notebook > Extensa > 4420 > Audio

what do I need to do after i download the file

It is a .zip file.

You should be able to right click it and choose "Extract Here".

The extract should show a "Setup" that you can "Run".

well i extracted the file and nothing happened...did i do something wrong or do i move on to another possible solution

Did you find a "Setup" and did you "Run" it?

no i extracted the file...it took like 2 minutes and that was it nothing else popped up and all i was left with was the initial page after i downloaded the file

when i right click the download page my options are: open, open containing folder, go to dowload page, copy download link, select all, and remove from list...when i open the file my right click options are: open explore, copy, and properties

You need to locate where you downloaded it.

What browser are you using?

I just downloaded it myself to Save on my Desktop then Extracted it.

There is a Setup Application with an icon that looks like a big arrow.

This is what you need to double click to Run it.

Open .... Explore .... should get you there.