No playback devices on Windows XP

Question

I don't see any playback devices in Windows XP.

I've done my research on it but still no luck. I have seen and tried this solution:

1. Click on Start and Run

2. Type the following command and press Enter

   services.msc 
   

3. Scroll down to Windows Audio in the right-hand column and double-click on it,

4. Make sure the Startup Type is set to Automatic and click on the Start button under Service Status. The Windows Audio service should restart and the error with the volume control should be resolved.

… but it doesn't work for me.

Could it be that my PC has no sound card?

I also check my device manager list and here is what I've found:

• Audio Codecs
• Legacy Audio Drivers
• Media Control Device
• Legacy Video Capture Devices
• Video Codecs

Is there something missing?

Answer 1

Consult information about your motherboard, and ideally:

Track down a support DVD for it, that contains drivers and software.

Follow it's installation process for Audio Drivers.

It looks like Windows XP doesn't have drivers to support your particular playback devices.

I have had this issue on older laptops moving them to Vista and Windows 7.

Answer 2

Does your PC have audio ports? (most do). If so, it has a sound card, most likely. Posting your exact configuration or at least a model would help somewhat, but looking at the rear of the system is the simplest thing i can think of