I've been working on a Sony Vaio (N230N) VISTA laptop that wouldn't start up into Windows. Finally got it up and running (but unable to install SP1, even after trying every MS solution and everything I've found on the internet). I gave up on the SP1 and figured whatever, just as long as I can get this stupid Vista machine online. Well that's all good, was surfing like a fool, but eventually I realized I have no sound in IE (trying to watch vids on youtube for an example). I have Windows sounds, and I can hear sound in Media Player. I downloaded Firefox and am able to hear the youtube videos in Firefox. OK, so what gives here? Anybody have any clues? I've already checked the IE internet options/play sounds in web pages. So now I'm stumped. I can tell these folks to just use Firefox (good advice), but I really want to know why IE won't play sounds.

Go back to where you checked play sounds in web pages. Is it still checked or does the change not stay?

Hope this isn't a double post, but it doesn't look like my last reply is showing up.... Guapo, when I went into the properties, the play sounds box was already checked (and still is). I didn't have to check it myself.

Just wanted to say I found the solution on another site: IE properties, advanced, hit the reset button to restore all original settings. I didn't see any major things that this changed in the settings, but it did work and I now have sound in IE. Just had to reset the home page afterwards, not too big a deal!

Yeah, it sounds likely that you somehow managed to switch off the actual sound settings in Internet Options for IE. Resetting it all back to default is fine, or you can go for the individual settings under the Advanced tab. =) http://www.pcfixreview.com

Hi KirstyN, as I stated above I did check the settings in IE properties, and under the advanced tab the box was checked for playing sounds in web pages. Also checked all sound settings for the computer itself. When I used the reset button in IE, I didn't see that it changed anything other than the home page. The person who owns the computer is self-proclaimed computer illiterate, so I doubt she had changed anything under advanced anyway. I think it was just a screwy glitch myself, like all newer versions of MS software have. Maybe had something to do with the original problem of not being able to start the computer, and than not being able to install SP1. I'm sure something could have gotten messed around in the system itself and the reset may have fixed it. Thanks for your input!