Q:
A: Have you tried checking by running dxdiag. Under sound tab, you could check device and driver details then test for sound. If details are not there, you need to install the sound driver then check in dxdiag if it was really installed. For problematic driver installations, disable first all your Startups before installing. Run msconfig, then under Startup tab, disable all Startups. Just enable later after a successful driver installation.