When you open the Mixer and right click on Devices is there more than one
possible audio device listed there?
Could your Realtek device possibly require the Realtek High Definition Audio
drivers IPO the AC97 codec?

I found that the MS Updates driver for the Realtek high definition audio did
not work properly. Several of the possible speaker output configurations
were missing and only the front speakers worked in the 5.1 setting. The
drivers downloaded from Realtek resolved the issues. Along with the Realtek
driver there would be a Microsoft high definition audio controller driver
that should also be installed, listed under System devices in Device
manager.


"Chuckf1234" wrote in message
...
I have an MSI motherboard with onboard Realtek audio. I have downloaded and
installed the latest Vista drivers. The control panel reports the device
is
properly installed and working, and that there are no IRQ conflicts. Yet
when
I try to play any sound or music, I get an error that says the device is
not
installed. The little speaker icon in the task bar has a red x, says
volume:0, and identifies Realtek AC '97 Audio. This problem is driving me
crazy. Any help would be appreciated.
Chuck