Why a Sound Driver is Critical
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with devices or hardware that you install. Without sound drivers, the hardware you connect to your computer--for example, a video card or a web cam--will be silent. Installing the latest sound drivers improves your PC's performance, and often includes many optimizations that will give you better results than what you had originally.
Re-install a Sound Driver
Right-click with your mouse on the "My Computer" icon on your PC desktop. Select "Properties," followed by "Drive Manager."
Review the list provided, and double-click on the sound card. This will launch an installation wizard, which will provide you step-by-step instructions to complete the process.
When you Can't Find a Sound Card on your Drive Manager
If your drive manager list does not include a sound card option, you will need to download a new one. There are several websites where a sound driver for you. Windows XP can be downloaded for free. Driverguide is a popular site for this--simply sign up and search under "Sound Cards" using the site's driver search wizard. You will need to sign up to be allowed to download the proper driver, but the service is free.
Tags: Drive Manager, sound card, will need