Hello,

I just installed Red Hat 8 and am having issues getting sound to work. I've searched this forum for help and found several topics where others are having the same problem.

After following the steps outlined in the topics, I am still without sound.

Red Hat detects my card as:
Vendor: VIA Technologies
Model: VT8233 AC97 Audio Controller
Module: via82cxxx_audio

I've visited the ASLA site for my card and followed directions... http://www.alsa-project.org/alsa-doc...module=via82xx

... but I am still without sound.

When I try to go into volume control I get the error:
"I was not able to open your audio device.
Please check that you have permission to open /dev/mixer
and make sure you have sound support compiled into your kernel."

I'm logged in as root when I'm doing all of this...

If anyone has any suggestions / comments for me, I'd greatly appreciate them.

Thank you...

Was there any rpm's for your sound card version on alsa website?

The docs from your link say to do this:

The snddevices script sets the permissions for the devices it creates to root. You should

chmod
a+rw /dev/dsp /dev/mixer /dev/sequencer /dev/midi

and it should have changed the permissions on those devices to work as normal user.

The RPMs on the ALSA website are (I think) for all sound cards. I downloaded the driver, lib, and utils.

Following the quick install on the webpage for my card, here's what happens...


Part 1

Make a directory to store the alsa source code in.

cd /usr/src
mkdir alsa
cd alsa
cp /downloads/alsa-* .

Now unzip and install the alsa-driver package

bunzip2 alsa-driver-xxx
tar -xf alsa-driver-xxx
cd alsa-driver-xxx
./configure --with-cards=via82xx --with-sequencer=yes;make;make
install
./snddevices

Here's a copy/paste from what I did and what I get:

[root@localhost alsa]# cd alsa-d*
[root@localhost alsa-driver-0.9.0rc7]# ./configure --with-cards=via82xx
--with-sequencer=yes;make;make install
checking for gcc... no
checking for cc... no
checking for cc... no
checking for cl... no
configure: error: no acceptable cc found in $PATH
make all-deps
make[1]: Entering directory `/usr/src/alsa/alsa-driver-0.9.0rc7'
make[1]: Nothing to be done for `all-deps'.
make[1]: Leaving directory `/usr/src/alsa/alsa-driver-0.9.0rc7'

Please, run the configure script as first...

make dep
make[1]: Entering directory `/usr/src/alsa/alsa-driver-0.9.0rc7'
make[2]: Entering directory `/usr/src/alsa/alsa-driver-0.9.0rc7/acore'
Makefile:4: ../Makefile.conf: No such file or directory
Makefile:15: /alsa-kernel/core/Makefile: No such file or directory
Makefile:17: /Rules.make: No such file or directory
make[2]: *** No rule to make target `/Rules.make'. Stop.
make[2]: Leaving directory `/usr/src/alsa/alsa-driver-0.9.0rc7/acore'
make[1]: *** [dep] Error 1
make[1]: Leaving directory `/usr/src/alsa/alsa-driver-0.9.0rc7'
make: *** [include/sndversions.h] Error 2
[root@localhost alsa-driver-0.9.0rc7]#

Part 2

The snddevices script sets the permissions for the devices it
creates to root. You should

chmod a+rw /dev/dsp /dev/mixer /dev/sequencer /dev/midi

Here's a copy/paste from what I did and what I get:

[root@localhost alsa-driver-0.9.0rc7]# chmod a+rw /dev/dsp /dev/mixer /dev/sequencer /dev/midi
[root@localhost alsa-driver-0.9.0rc7]# ls -l /dev/dsp /dev/mixer /dev/sequencer /dev/midi
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 9 Feb 22 23:48 /dev/dsp->/dev/dsp0
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 10 Feb 22 23:48 /dev/midi->/dev/midi0
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 11 Feb 22 23:48 /dev/mixer->/dev/mixer0
crw-rw-rw- 1 nick root 14, 1 Feb 22 23:48 /dev/sequencer
[root@localhost alsa-driver-0.9.0rc7]#

Part 3

Now unzip and install the alsa-lib package

cd ..
bunzip2 alsa-lib-xxx
tar -xf alsa-lib-xxx
cd alsa-lib-xxx
./configure;make;make install

Here's a copy/paste from what I did and what I get:

[root@localhost alsa-driver-0.9.0rc7]# cd ..
[root@localhost alsa]# cd alsa-lib*
[root@localhost alsa-lib-0.9.0rc7]# ./configure;make;make install
checking build system type... i686-pc-linux-gnuoldld
checking host system type... i686-pc-linux-gnuoldld
checking target system type... i686-pc-linux-gnuoldld
checking for a BSD compatible install... /usr/bin/install -c
checking whether build environment is sane... yes
checking for mawk... no
checking for gawk... gawk
checking whether make sets ${MAKE}... yes
checking for gcc... no
checking for cc... no
checking for cc... no
checking for cl... no
configure: error: no acceptable cc found in $PATH
make: *** No targets specified and no makefile found. Stop.
make: *** No rule to make target `install'. Stop.
[root@localhost alsa-lib-0.9.0rc7]#

Part 4

Now unzip and install the alsa-utils package

cd ..
bunzip2 alsa-utils-xxx
tar -xf alsa-utils-xxx
cd alsa-utils-xxx
./configure;make;make install

Here's a copy/paste from what I did and what I get:

[root@localhost alsa-lib-0.9.0rc7]# cd ..
[root@localhost alsa]# cd alsa-ut*
[root@localhost alsa-utils-0.9.0rc7]# ./configure;make;make install
checking for a BSD compatible install... /usr/bin/install -c
checking whether build environment is sane... yes
checking for mawk... no
checking for gawk... gawk
checking whether make sets ${MAKE}... yes
checking for gcc... no
checking for cc... no
checking for cc... no
checking for cl... no
configure: error: no acceptable cc found in $PATH
make: *** No targets specified and no makefile found. Stop.
make: *** No rule to make target `install'. Stop.
[root@localhost alsa-utils-0.9.0rc7]#

Part 5

Now insert the modules into the kernel space.

modprobe snd-via82xx;modprobe snd-pcm-oss;modprobe
snd-mixer-oss;modprobe snd-seq-oss

Here's a copy/paste from what I did and what I get:

[root@localhost root]# modprobe snd-via82xx;modprobe
snd-pcm-oss;modprobe snd-mixer-oss;modprobe snd-seq-oss
modprobe: Can't locate module snd-via82xx
modprobe: Can't locate module snd-pcm-oss
modprobe: Can't locate module snd-mixer-oss
modprobe: Can't locate module snd-seq-oss
[root@localhost root]#

==================================================

Well, if anyone made it this far, I hope this helps in diagnosing my
problem.
I appreciate all the help.

Thank you...

I think you downloaded the source code. The rpms will have an extension of rpm only, not src.rpm. If src is in the filename, it is probably source code.

You could try installing the rpm files you need instead of using source code.

Your compilers aren't installed.

You need to install your developmental packages in order to be able to compile software.# Guides to software and installation
Compiling Software Help File
LNAG - How do I install a program I downloaded from the Internet?
Rute Guide's software explanation

# Redhat links
Red Hat Linux Manuals
Maximum RPM
rpmfind
Easier software management: APT-RPM - Red Carpet

# Redhat 8.0 configuration commands
Configure soundcard:
redhat-config-soundcard
Configure X server:
redhat-config-xfree86
Configure network:
redhat-config-network

I was one of the people having this error. To start with I tried to install ALSA, but like you I must not have had compilers installed. Then I bought another sound card (/dev/dsp1) but that didn't work either)

In the end I did a clean full install of RH8, changed my bios settings to card enabled, soundblaster enabled, and PnP OS to yes.

I booted into linux, then in a terminal tried cat /dev/urandom > /dev/dsp and got static, so I know the sound worked, then sndconfig and it tries to play a test sound. Even if you can't hear it, say yes anyway and it will make a new config file for your sound and then reboot and it may work then, it did for me.

same with me no sound on my ac'97 red hat detects it but no sound

i did an assload of searching on this last night for my wifes computer and finally just said screw it. disabled sound in bios and gave her my soundblaster card. ac'97 is not supported from what i read. you may try alsa though. good luck and if you figure it out without having to recompile the kernel then let me know.

hello everybody,

I'm also a newbie in this linux world. just started a month ago and already had problem with AC'97 doesn't work! and now, guess wat .. my Red Hat 8.0 is giving sounds ! fyi my mainboard is Via P4PB-400 (VIA Apollo chipset (VT8754 & VT8235) with onboard Via Rhine PCI ethernet and onboard Via VT1616 6-channel AC'97 CODEC audio. Here's wat I've done to make it works,

1. download the latest ALSA driver, utlities & library, the filenames are

1. alsa-driver-0.9.0rc7.tar.bz2
2. alsa-lib-0.9.0rc7.tar.bz2
3. alsa-utils-0.9.0rc7.tar.bz2

at http://www.alsa-project.org/

2. download the confguration manual from
http://www.viaarena.com/?PageID=87
then scroll to the middle of your browser, there u will see

"VIA RH8.0 Audio Driver New! (02/13/2003 Ver 0.8A) This document describes three methods of installing the audio driver for VIA south bridge chips VT8231, VT8233, VT8233A, and VT8235 under Red Hat Linux 8.0. These methods include: (1) OS built-in driver (only for VT8231), (2) ALSA driver from the Advanced Linux Sound Architecture project, and (3) OSS driver from 4Front Technologies. The step-by-step instruction for each method and a comparison of their respective features are provided."

and I just followed the instruction from the manual. btw, you need to have with you , the RH8.0 installation CD no.2 to install the kernel... I bet you, the manual is so very easy to understand even though I'm not an expert in Unix kind of thing. Fortunately I'm very used to DOS command, at least it helps me abit to understand Unix command.

I've downloaded the configuration manual and necessary drivers & saved in my harddisk. If you want a copy, I'll be happy to e-mail it to u. just send me an e-mail and I'll send the copy to u;

my e-mail: richwong@compumed.com.my.

I've also tried to configure it in my friend P4 U8668Pro biostar motherboard, also with onboard AC'97 Via8233 chipset, and it also works !

Happy Linuxing ! I'll be migrating my works and everything to Linux from now on... tired and bored of Ms-windows.


ps: hope u guys can understand my bad english

i can be contacted at linux ICQ too ... 108381159VIA RH8.0 Audio Driver New! (02/13/2003 Ver 0.8A) This document describes three methods of installing the audio driver for VIA south bridge chips VT8231, VT8233, VT8233A, and VT8235 under Red Hat Linux 8.0. These methods include: (1) OS built-in driver (only for VT8231), (2) ALSA driver from the Advanced Linux Sound Architecture project, and (3) OSS driver from 4Front Technologies. The step-by-step instruction for each method and a comparison of their respective features are provided. VIA RH8.0 Audio Driver New! (02/13/2003 Ver 0.8A) This document describes three methods of installing the audio driver for VIA south bridge chips VT8231, VT8233, VT8233A, and VT8235 under Red Hat Linux 8.0. These methods include: (1) OS built-in driver (only for VT8231), (2) ALSA driver from the Advanced Linux Sound Architecture project, and (3) OSS driver from 4Front Technologies. The step-by-step instruction for each method and a comparison of their respective features are provided.

let me tell you something about your english.

it's great! I live in the southeast u.s. town and your english is better than a large majority of the american born life long english speakers in this small rural southern town. ; )

thanks for taking the time to supply your work around and solution.

After a while without sound, here's what I did...

Raided another one of my computers for a PCI soundcard.
Installed the soundcard.
Followed the "Checking for new hardware..." prompts when RH8 is booting.
Removed the configuration for my old sound card.
Told it to "Configure" the new sound card.

Continued to boot

Upon logging in...
... Let there be sound!

The soundcard I have working is a Esoniq AudioPCI 9803.

Thanks for all your replies.

...

And, you have better sound than the built in sound card.

All mobo sound sucks because it's next to the cpu and picks up a lot of noise there imho and experience.

Hello everyone, help please

I got up to this part, everythign else before that worked fine, i got no idea why this problem display when i am just 1 step away from complettion, this is very annoying :<

anyone know of any solution to this problem???

Distribution is ?

Do you need to create a symbolic link to the kernel? Some distros use something else than /usr/src/linux (example: /usr/src/linux-2.4 for Redhat 7.3)which most instructions assume exists. Look and see if you have that link and that it points to the correct kernel source if you have more than one source installed.

i have distribution: red hat 8 physche