Dell Dimension 3000 No sound but everything installed correctly.

[justinarmstrong]

I hope someone can help. I'm not fully knowledgeable with computers but know the basics.
I bought a second hand Dell Dimension 3000 running Windows 7.
I have no sound.
The drivers are installed in Device Manager (Realtec AC'97), and also (Uniplex Half Modem) both under sound, video controllers. There are no exclamation marks in device manager. All drivers are up to date.
Dell diagnostic and Microsoft Fix it both say everything is ok.
There is no sound from internal speaker. I tried external speakers via green jack at back & front of machine but there is no option to select these speakers.
If I try to play music then nothing happens.
When I access the sound option there is a green 'equalizer bar' which goes up and down to tell music is playing...but I can't hear anything.
I have checked and mute is not selected-volume is set to 100%.
I opened the machine and behind the jack plug seems to be closed with no removable parts.
I downloaded the latest Audio Driver from Dell but it says its not compatible with my OS.

I think I've covered everything I've done.

Thanks

 

[justinarmstrong]

I forgot to mention that when I connected the external speakers there was no option to select them in Audio Manager.

 

[fireberd]

I used to do a lot of support on the Dell users forums. Dell DOES NOT support Vista or Windows 7 on this model (only drivers for XP). If it works on Win 7, but no sound you will have to do what others with Dell's that are not supported have done, install a PCI sound card that is Windows 7 compatible.

The sound in Dell's in the era of the Dim 3000 will only work with a Dell supplied sound driver. A non-Dell will either not work or not work correctly.

There are many posts on the Dell forum about this subject and older Dell's that are not supported by Dell.

 

[justinarmstrong]

Thanks for the information. Il look into getting a compatible PCI sound card.
Can you advise of a rough price?
Are they easy enough to fit and install?

This stuff is all new to me.
Thanks again for your input.

 

[fireberd]

Prices for sound cards range from inexpensive and up.

Here is one that is listed as Windows 7 compatible. I know nothing about it other than I found it on the www.newegg.com site (where I buy a lot of my PC components). It is $24.99.
Newegg.com - Rosewill RC-702 7.1 Channels 16-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card

There are a lot of other PCI sound cards listed but many are not Windows 7 compatible.

 

[justinarmstrong]

Thanks for this.

 

[justinarmstrong]

Just to let you know, I bought a new sound card and fitted it, and it works perfect, thank you for your help and advice, its much appreciated.
I know some folk just ask for advice on forums then they aren't decent enough to reply with an outcome, I think if your going to ask for the advice the very least you can do is see it through to the end - its only takes a few minutes to properly thank the people who helped.

Thank you.