I cannot get any sound out of my speakers. The speakers and sound card have been tested. The speakers are connected properly according to the set-up poster that came with the computer. (Boston BA735, came with the computer.)

When I click on the sound icon in the lower right corner of the monitor and select the Open Volume Control option, the Master Speakers box opens. The display shows a master column with a mute option (Mute all), then six other columns, each with its own mute option: Wave, SW Synth, CD Player, Line In, PC Speaker, and PCM SPDIF.

I am able to check and un-check all mute boxes except the last one – PCM SPDIF – which is grayed out. Could this be the problem? If so, how do I fix it?

Other information that might be helpful: I am running a Gateway 1700 that is 5-1/2 years old. I upgraded from Millenium to XP Professional a couple of years ago and have installed SP 2 and all the updates as they became available. My Soundblaster sound card recently went to that big audio bin in the sky and I purchased an Encore 7.1 channel suround sound card that is compatible with XP. The computer states that the card is installed properly.

I realize that a 5-1/2 year old computer is really pushing it; however, in these uncertain economic times I would rather hang on to as much as I can and make do if at all possible. So any workarounds someone could suggest would be greatly appreciated! Explanations in words of one syllable would be appropriate for this computer-challenged lady!

Thank you again.

Hi Lady

Ive read in the other forums that 7.1 sound is not supported yet in
all versions of Linux. You may check with the website for card
and see if the offer Linux drivers. You may want to try a live CD
to see if the sound will work with another version of Linux.

I heard of work arounds for specific sound cards, but that is
over my head. Some of the senior members here could help with
the work arounds if you can find a driver. Ive also heard of
loading windows drivers somehow and then recompiling the kernal,
which is again over my head

Vanessa

... however, I need to apologize for not stating first that I am not running Linux, but Windows (Hiss?? Boo???) and was hoping that someone would have some background with this system .. my bad! Mea culpa, ok?