One thing I should mention,during the section to choose software to install, I *unchecked* xfce as I simply didn't want or need it. Could this be the problem?

This particular system worked just fine with 14.1, sound worked fine (the sound is from the MOBO, not any card(s)).

Another thing that does appear to be happening is that the sound hardware thing in 'system settings' shows an hdmi card from the nvidia card installed. How do I get rid of that so that it isn't seen or so the system doesn't want to attempt to use it for sound?

The MOBO is an ASROCK A770DE+ with 4GB RAM. It
s set up in the BIOS to use the MOBO sound, so I'm stumped why it didn't work automagically out of the gate like normal. If screenshots or other info is needed, just ask and tell me how to get it if it's from a cli command, heh heh. Was really hoping to be able to watch some movies while I'm here at my mom's house on the weekends doing chores around here, and now I'm stuck with literally nothing to do (we haven't owned or watched TV in 6 years and intend to remain that way).

Have you checked pavucontrol to ensure your sound card and not hdmi is selected for audio out?

Bleh...just did that and I now have sound. Sorry about the thread folks and thanks bassmadrigal.