My problem is that I get a 'no /dev/dsp' message on start up and that sound will run on 'null' device.

After reading the FAQ on how to post in here:

1. - No such file or Directory.

2. - 2.6.8.1-12mdk / Mandrake 10.1

3. - This is not a laptop.

4. - What?

5. - If you cant tell by now, I am a newb at Linux. What I get here is a very long list of things I don't understand.

6. - Tried Google and found this forum.

7. - Not USB.

By the way, in my system config:

IdentificationIdentification
Vendor: ?nVidia Corp.

Description: ?nForce2 Audio Codec Interface

Media class: ?MULTIMEDIA_AUDIO

Connection
Bus: ?PCI

Bus PCI #: ?0

PCI device #: ?6

PCI function #: ?0

Vendor ID: ?4318

Device ID: ?106

Sub vendor ID: ?5385

Sub device ID: ?36941

Driver
Module: ?snd-intel8x0

Alternative drivers: ?ali5455, i810_audio, nvaudio

Vendor: ?nVidia Corp.

Description: ?nForce2 Audio Codec Interface

Media class: ?MULTIMEDIA_AUDIO

Connection
Bus: ?PCI

Bus PCI #: ?0

PCI device #: ?6

PCI function #: ?0

Vendor ID: ?4318

Device ID: ?106

Sub vendor ID: ?5385

Sub device ID: ?36941

Driver
Module: ?snd-intel8x0

Alternative drivers: ?ali5455, i810_audio, nvaudio

That's my soundcard information.

is the correct module loaded?

try running see where that gets you

Regards
-Rob

alsaconf gets me a 'command not found'

any other suggestions?

Try this:
http://ozzzy.dhis.org/alsa.html

I cant find the ALSA mixer to raise the volume. Im looking utils and finding nothing. Help please?