Q: My computer runs on a Gigabyte 8VM533M-R2 motherboard with AWRDACPI version F8 GBT Bios, Intel Celeron CPU @2.53GHz version x86 Family 15 Model 3 Stepping 4 Processor, Windows XP home edition version 5.1.2600 operating system with service pack 3.0.

A few weeks ago, I reformatted my hard disk. After that, the sound system stopped working.

Comparing the printout of the computer information before and after formatting of the hard disk, I noted that the sound card, VIA AC97 Enhanced Audio Controller (WDM), was shown as not installed.

It also highlighted that the sound card was an integrated sound card as I could not find it physically.

What should I do to get the sound card working again?

Leslie Tan

A: Your motherboard may have all the necessary hardware but that hardware needs to be enabled.

Drivers also need to be installed for the specific operating system.

The hardware is controlled by the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). There is a switch in the BIOS that you need to check to see if it is set to Auto/Enabled or Disabled.

To enter the BIOS, press the Delete key during the power on self test (Post). The screen will probably display the text indicating that to enter BIOS, you must hit the Delete key.

Read more about your motherboard Post and BIOS from the online document at http://asia.giga-byte.com/FileList/ Manual/motherboard_manual_ga-8vm533_e.pdf.

On page 36, you will find the setting labelled AC97 Audio under the heading Integrated Peripherals. Set this to Auto if it is not already so.

Device drivers for Windows XP are available and can be downloaded from http://asia.giga-byte.com/ FileList/Driver/motherboard_driver_audio_realtek_whql.exe.

Answer by Chester Chen, a recognised Microsoft Most Valuable Professional specialising in windows desktop experience

This story was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life.

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