I am all of a sudden missing my sound driver, controls and all. Where can I go to simply download another, withOUT having to download and pay for a driver detective? I thought replacing something like this was supposed to be free, but that is not true, apparently. Ideas?

the d-a-l hardware showed NO sound devices installed, and they all worked earlier today. What has happened, how did it happen, and how do I fix this?

You could try a System Restore.

Otherwise go to the computer manufacturers web site and find the drivers for your specific model.

what is system restore, and how is it done?

I went to the add hardware section of control panel, and it said I did not have a multimedia audio controller. I told it to go look for one, and it found one, but the warning came up that that driver did not have a Windows logo on it, and could present problems. Sure enough, the computer dropped windows 3 times in this atteampt. If I go to the site where the driver is made, how do I KNOW I am getting a safe driver?

go to >>> start >>> all programs >>> accessories >>> system tools >>> system restore

choose to restore you computer to a previous time and then pick a time when all was running ok


The computer will then automatically restart.

If that fails what is the make and model of your computer?

You need to go to the manufacturers web site.

put system restore in file search, found it, went there, did it, and now everything is ok. Thanks!

cool

Nice jephree.

An Alternate Method
What I try first is Device Manager and remove/delete the problem device.
If nothing major is at fault, the device will re-install with the required drivers on next boot.