Install the chipset drivers. Look here: http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df/Detail_Desc.asp?ProductID=816&DwnldID=4841

 Thanks so much. That has resolved all three problem devices. However I still have no sound, but I can work on that now. Once again thanks.

BK....

You might try the built-in troubleshooter in Win98 to sniff out  your sound snafu

To use the troubleshooter:

1. Click the Start button to open the Start menu.
   
2. Click Help. 
The Windows Help system opens.

3. If two panes are visible in the Help window, go to the next step.  If only one pane is visible  in the Help window, click Show.

4. In the left-hand pane, click the Contents tab.

5. Click the Troubleshooting category in the Contents tab.
The category expands to display individual help topics and other categories.

6. Click the Windows 98 Troubleshooters category.
The category expands to display a list of installed troubleshooters.

7. Click Sound.
The sound troubleshooter's first question appears in the help window's right-hand pane.

8. Click Hide to hide the Help window's left-hand pane, then resize and position the Help window and any other application window you need to use, so both are visible on the screen.

9. Answer each of the questions provided by the troubleshooter, clicking the Next button after answering each question.

10. When you're finished, close the Help window by clicking the Close button at the far right end of its title bar.

How do you find out which chipset you have in your machine? For instance an XPS T650r

Rich

Thanks, I've sorted the problem by buying a new sound card ! After weeks of fiddling and going through troubleshooter as you suggested. Updating drivers etc. I tried everything and the system told me everything was working properly !

You select the system from this site, it will give you all the info about that system.

http://support.dell.com/us/en/docs/index.asp?cc=12&ct=84