Greetings I have Creative 2.1 2400 speakers and they're not working at all. They don't show in control panel Sounds and Audio Devices and not on the installed hardware list either. It seems like they were uninstalled by windows. They are plug-and-play. They just stopped working, they're not even new, just the ones that I've used for a few years. Well, when I open Windows first time, they show in the Control Panel Sounds and Audio Devices and Realtek AC'97 Audio shows in the Control Panel as well. When I open the Sounds and Audio Devices the pc just freezes and restarts. After that, Realtek is not there, just a blank slot where it used to be, and Audio Devices shows that I have no speakers installed. Connections are right. And I have tried my old speakers too, no success. The speakers are working, tested with walkman. The problem is with something else. Soundcard or some other? And how do I check my sound card status and/or other things that have something to do with it? I know device manager, but where is the sound card located there? Any help at all will be appreciated. Thanks Thomlinson

it isnt your speakers that have the problem, it is the sound card. it is either bad or you have the wrong drivers installed.

I'd bet Mike is right. When I built this system it didn't detect the onboard sound and acted as if there were no speakers. Your problem is likely the same.

Well, it seems that Realtek AC'97 Audio is my integrated sound device. Downloading new drivers for it today, I'll tell you if that helps.

Ok, done. It seems that I'll have to buy a new soundcard after all (Dang!) I guess that I'll upgrade my speakers as well, found a nice 5.1 set for cheap price. But now... what it's gonna take to disable the integrated card totally? Links and info appreciated. =)