No Sound

Hello,

To start with the easy stuff ...

Here are the support pages for the 4500.

Are the speakers plugged into the Green output?

And, Windows needs to be installed in a specific order on Dell systems as listed below ...

Note: Some devices may not function properly if the drivers are installed out of order.

Install your version of Windows.

Install the following software and drivers in the order listed below.

***** 1.***** Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) - A vital utility that provides critical updates and patches for the operating system. If you are reinstalling the operating system or updating all the computer’s drivers, it is imperative that this software be installed first.
Currently, the DSS and NSS are not required for systems with Windows Vista installed. This is located under the System and Configuration Utilities Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
2. Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers. This is located under the Chipset Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
3. Video Adapter - Enhances video performance. This is located under the Video Adapter Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
4. Network Interface Card (NIC) - Enhances the network controller for Internet or network access. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
5. Audio Adapter - Enables and enhances the audio controller. This is located under the Audio Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
6. Modem - Allows dialup capability. This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
7. Wireless Network Card - Enables and enhances the wireless network controller. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
8. Touchpad, Pointer, Trackstick, Mice, and Keyboards - Enhances the pointing device features. This is located under the Mouse & Keyboards Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
9. Other Devices
* Bluetooth Module
This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
* Dell Wireless Mobile Broadband Cards
This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
* PCMCIA/Smartcard controller
This is located under the Security Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

Dell drivers and downloads page http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/.

NOTE: If your system download page offers a DSS or NSS file in the 'System and Configuration Utilities' Category. And you have already tried to install some drivers, you will need to reboot in Safe Mode to install the DSS or NSS file, and the chipset. Then reboot the system and install the rest of the drivers in the correct order.

ok. last question before i go mass downloading.  how do i know which driver to download?  for example, there are 7 video drivers.  i don't download them all do i?

there is still 7 video drivers to choose from.  and i did use the service tag option. and if it makes a difference, when i try to adjust the volume it says "no active mixer devices available" and then tells me to go to control panel to install one.

No, You have XP not Win7. Correct?

If you used the 'service tag' option to get to your downloads, most of the unneeded files will not show. And, make sure that XP is selected in the top option box.

... how do i know which one i need to download?

Hello again,

If you have integrated sound on the motherboard the chipset files should do the trick.

If you have a sound card, try to tell us which you have. Run completely through the list I gave and install all you can in the correct order. If no DSS file is shown, one is not needed.

Once you get done, connect to the Windows update page and choose the "Custom" option. It could point you to some updates for your hardware.

Don't use Win7 files for an XP system.

Do you have integrated sound on the motherboard, or do you have an installed sound card?

thank you so much. i am really lost when it comes to this.  this is the first time i've ever installed an OS on a computer.

Assuming that you already installed the chipset file and others on the list ...

It looks as if THIS FILE is what you want if you indeed have integrated sound.

You're welcome

Can I assume that the file I linked to fixed your problem? :emotion-15:

well, i thought it did. i can play things such as songs but no system sounds or sound from the net.  when i open the sounds and audio devices properties screen, under the volume tab it says no audio device.  if i try to play a system sound i get an error window that says "Windows cannot play the sound %SystemRoot%\media\Windows XP Error.wav. Your sound card may be in use"

i have xp selected at the top. and i would guess integrated sound. i know a sound card has never been installed on this computer.

Do you now have the speaker icon in the taskbar?

If you look in "Device manager" do you see any hardware that lists a problem?

Visit the Windows update page and choose the option "Custom". See if any updates are provided. You now seem to have sound, you may need to just adjust some settings.