I have a windows 98 pc. My sound was playing up until a few days ago now it won't. when i use windows media player it comes up with the message "Windows Media Player cannot play the file because there is a problem with your sound device. There may not be a sound device installed on your computer, it may be in use by another program, or it may not be functioning properly." I have tried using different speakers and headphones but neither made any difference could it be something my pc has downloaded????? any help would be appreciated so much xxxxx

had you installed something or deleted anything recently?

Sounds to me like Windows has lost or corrupted the driver for your sound card. A driver is a set of files that contain the commands and instructions that Windows should use in order to detect a piece of hardware and make it work. So, if the driver becomes uninstalled for some reason, then Windows won't detect and use it properly.

Right-click on the My Computer icon on your desktop, select Properties from the menu and then click the Device Manager tab. If you double-click 'Sound Devices' in the list to expand it, do you see your sound card installed in the list? If so, does it have a yellow exclamation mark symbol next to it?

I received your Private Message, but this is one of the reasons that the D-A-L Rules state;

"B. FORUM

3. Please do not contact a moderator, administrator or other member for computer help directly, either by Private Message or email. You will get a far quicker and more comprehensive response by posting your question in the appropriate category on the Forum, as it will be read by all members and techs.".

For one, the results you received by posting in the forum were quicker. For two, number one covers it. For three, please answer responses one and two, as that's what I would have asked to investigate the problem anyway.

See, now you have three people working the problem instead of one. ;>)

I received this email too. Boy, you'd have to be desperate to ask me for technical advice.