Specifications:
--------------------
Vendor: Intel Corp.
Model: 82801BA/BAM AC'97 Audio
Module: i810_audio

Problem:
------------
Soundcard autodetection worked at first, and i was able to play mp3 from my xmms player. from the last few days, the xmms player cannot play sound (its not an mp3 codec problem). the soundcard detection also doesnot works ( i don't hear any sound). when i play in xmms, the xmms timer starts from 00:02 .. 00:01 and quits. it says segmentation fault. what is the problem?

i have enabled these:
----------------------------
#arts
start arts sound server at startup->yes
enable network transparency->no
exchange security and reference info over X11 server->no
autosuspend if idle for: 60 seconds

#sound i/o
sound i/o method->autodetection
enable full duplex operation->no
use custom sound device->no
etc...etc..

i have an AC97 audio chip in my PC too, i had to remove the Alsa package included with my disto and compile it from source to make my sound work, you need atleast these four packages and compile them in the order listed:

alsa-lib - (use the prefix --sysconfdir=/etc)
alsa-driver - (use the prefix --with-card-options=all)
alsa-oss
alsa-utils

some might disagree with the "all" in the card-options as it compiles for cards you dont have, but you know it will include your card, the reason i suggest this is i did not see ac97 included in the list when ./configure --help is run...

run alsaconfig when finished with make install

thank you, Tralis.

at first? it could be you sound levels are defaulting to mute. Ofcourse that would only be after a restart.

Probably way off but...

alsaconf
alsamixer > turn everything up
alsactl store


Maybe even (if settings are lost on boot)

vi /etc/rc.conf > punch in "alsactl restore"

_ _ _ _ _

If your sound has been working for quite a while and has out of the blue died then oh dear.