Vista audio device not present

Helping a friend. Wrong forum I know but can't log into Vista section for some reason.

Wonder if anyone can help. My friend's notebook with Vista OP shows "no audio output device is installed".

i went to HP site and d/loaded and installed the audio driver but no change ... also basic steps like restore didn't work.

it is a fairly old computer (7 years) but I would like to get sound back as my friend is in recovery and the computer is a great companion/entertainment for the long hours of bedrest.

Any clues about how I might proceed?

many thanks

Check the BIOS to see if there's an on-board audio option.
If so, make sure it's enabled.

thank you Sardonicus- what step do I take to check the BIOS?

What the laptop model?

HP Pavilion dv9700 Notebook

Restart the Notebook.
Press the "F2" key immediately as your computer powers itself back on.
This will access the BIOS of your HP Pavilion DV9700.

thank you!