so do i just download both of them and pray one works?

The available drivers for the 8100 are here:

 

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&ServiceTag=&SystemID=DIM_PNT_P4_8100&os=WW1&osl=en&catid=&impid=

 

Under Audio, It appears it came with either the SB Live or the Turtle Beach card, so you'll need to figure out which one it is - all those other listings that say "HTML" appear to just be user guides for the speakers.   Though the overall 8100 listing doesn't include XP, only 2000, the drivers for each of those cards says it supports XP, so hopefully they'll work.

 

Better to know which one it is first.  2 options:

 

1) Open up the case and look at the card. 

 

2) Check the invoice that came with the PC, or look up the original system configuration here:

 

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/my_systems_info/en/details?~ck=ln&~tab=2&c=us&cs=555&l=en&lnki=0&s=biz

Why both?  Did you not check to see which card you have?  Here are the instructions for opening the case:

 

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dsleest/rr.htm#cover

 

If you're trying to use the 8100 right now to download these, I'm wondering if you're not also missing the correct ethernet or modem drivers.  If you have access to another PC, you can download them there and either burn them to a CD or try putting them on a USB stick and moving them over. 

 

Or it could just be a glitch in the Dell server - it happens.  Nothing for it but to try again.

i tried to download both of them but it said operation timed out

alright here my results for you, i tried them both and neither worked,

also there is a windows update for a modem, should i update that?

Bradman:  Please read this. 

 

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&dl=false&l=en&s=gen&docid=45FAC9DF3456B193E040A68F5A285493&doclang=en&cs

 

reinstall microsoft windows XP, what does this have to do with no sound?

It has to do with learning how to do it properly.  I'm a teach a person to fish type.

 

What does your device manager say?  What devices are working, and which are missing?

 

well i have 3 question marks

 

?Other devices:

               ?Multimedia audio controller

               ?Unsupported Device

 

 

those are the only things that have question marks, everything else works