You install a new sound card and have no sound from the new card. There are several reasons this can happen. This fix assumes that you have installed the sound card and driver software correctly. This article also assumes that you had onboard sound or another sound card in the computer before adding the new sound card.

When you install a new sound card Windows is left to decide which sound card to try and use. Sometimes Windows picks the wrong card. There is a way to tell windows to behave and use the correct card. Follow the instructions below and you should be able to fix the problem.

Vista:

Go to the control panel and make sure it is in classic view. (click "Classic View")

Open sound.

You will see both sound cards. Select the one that you want to use.

Click the SET AS DEFAULT button.

Click OK and then just to make sure, restart the computer.

With XP: You need to do similar things but not the exact same thing. 

Open control panel.

Same as Vista, make sure its in the classic view.

Open Sounds and Audio Devices

Click the audio tab.

Use the drop down to select the correct card for your playback.

Be sure to check the box that says use only default devices. (its in the lower left)

Click OK.

Try your sound.

If it doesn't work, try restarting the computer.

If the sound card and software are installed correctly, and you have the speakers plugged in the right way, the sound should work.