The little yellow volume control icon has vanished from my tray and I'm trying to put it back. I checked the box in settings/multimedia to "show icon" but I get a message that I need to install the volume control program in add/remove programs. When I do a search in my computer it shows up in my c:\dowloads\sndvol32.exe, as if it's there and installed, but control panel says it's not installed. Any clues anyone???

You could try this; Control Panel/Add-Remove programs/click on the "Windows Setup" tab/scroll down to the "multimedia" box and uncheck it, click "apply" then "ok".Re-boot,go back and re-install it and see if that does it.

Thanks, did all that... now how do I re-install? I tried to re-check on the multimedia box and apply, but i get a message "path or file not found", (@*#%!) thanks for any help!

CONTROL PANEL > ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS > WINDOWS SETUP tab > MULTIMEDIA checkbox > VOLUME CONTROL checkbox The volume file, I believe is on your Windows CD, or recovery CD. You need to load that CD and import the volume file in your PC.

Somtimes the problem is mechanical, not software. If your sound card is removable, unplug the computer and remove the sound card. Make a note of any references or labels in the board (if you dont have the driver you can do a search for it in the web), clean the edge connector with a dry soft cloth and put it back applaying evenly force. Make sure that the board get deep enough into the connector but avoid pressing too strong. If the board does not go deep enough check that other neighboring boards are not pushing the mother board. (Sometimes when you install a new board the Mobo is pushed deeper effectively unpluggin other boards). This may solve your problem immediately. Also if the board is plug and play Windows detects a new hardware and the wizard appears, just follow the instructions. During the procedure use a grownded wrist strap or touch a grounded metal whith your hands open to discharge any static electricity. This may or may not be your problem but is worth to try it, good luck.