:-D I had to use the restore cd and lose everything on my hard drive... when I used it for the first time after that, i try to play cds, listen to noises on AIM, and NOTHING... i have no sound, but i have asked friends and everything should be working right. i have drivers n stuff... any suggestions??

Hi Sara, Sorry I can'nt help as I have the same problem and am searching everywhere for the answer. I did get a message on my computer, that I'd lost a file called SW Flash.ocx but the question is where do I get it. If I find any info will post it here.

yes, it is REALLY frustrating since i only restored the hard drive with the cd my computer came with... and i love music so it bites. thanks a bundle if you post anything w/an answer!

Has the computer had a different sound card put in since it was purchased? If so you will need to download drivers for it since they won't be on the restore CD. If it is the original card, check the device manager to see that it is listed and that there are no problems.

I recently posted the same problem, only my sound card was broken (long story) and I had to buy a new one. When I was trying to fix my old one, the drivers for the soundcard were not included on my system restore cd and I had to use the soundblaster cd my system came with. You should be able to download the LATEST drivers from the manufacturer. Try removing the soundcard from the system Device Manager (tab in system properties) and then click add new hardware in control panel. Manually select the latest drivers and reinstall the card.

no new sound card... still has the one it came with preinstalled

I fixed it! The speakers were not connected properly... my mother messed with it w/o me knowing!! thanks for all of the help