How do I check for incorrect or missing sound card drivers?

Look in the sound card documentation for driver descriptions to make sure that your configuration is correct.

First, check the status of your sound card, and see how it is configured.  

Checking sound card status in Windows Vista, 7, 8 or 10:

1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Windows button, then Control Panel, then System Maintenance.
2. Click the Device Manager button.
3. Click the plus sign (+) or arrow next to Sound, video, and game controllers.
4. Right-click your sound card, and then click Properties.
5. Compare the window's contents with sound card driver descriptions in the sound card documentation.
6. On the General tab, make sure that the Device status message is "This device is working properly."  
 
If the Device Status message states that the device is not working properly, contact your sound card or computer manufacturer for further assistance. Getting other errors? Click here.

Checking sound card status in Windows XP:

1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, then Settings, then Control Panel, then System. (Windows XP: Start > Control Panel > System)
2. Click the Hardware tab, and then the Device Manager button.
3. Click the PLUS SIGN (+) next to Sound, video, and game controllers.
4. Right-click your sound card, and then click Properties.
5. Compare the window's contents with sound card driver descriptions in the sound card documentation.
6. On the General tab, make sure that the Device status message is "This device is working properly."
 
If the Device Status message states that the device is not working properly, contact your sound card or computer manufacturer for further assistance. Getting other errors? Click here.

If you are unable to locate the name of your Sound Card, you can view the Sound Card from your DirectX Diagnostic Report:

Windows Vista and higher:

1. Click the Start icon.
2. Click on Start Search box.
3. Type in “dxdiag” (without the quotations).
4. Press Enter.

Windows XP:

1. Click the Start button.
2. Click Run.
3. Type in “dxdiag” (without the quotations).
4. Click the OK button.

• Once you have launched the DirectX Diagnostic report, click on the Sound tab.
• Under the Device section, you will be able to view the name of your Sound Card.
• The Driver section will also list the Driver Version and Date for your current Driver.

Visit the website of your computer or sound card manufacturer for assistance, if:

- The Device Status message states that the device is not working properly.
- The installed drivers do not match the sound card's hardware. You need to reinstall the correct sound card driver.
- You see a yellow ! or red X in the device manager. You need to reinstall the sound card, sound card driver, or both.