I do not think it's a hardware problem. Was your computer delivered with Vista preinstalled? The sound device must be onboard - do you know what make it is? If not - please download and run Everest (in my sig). That program will produce a list of what's inside your computer. In Everest press Computer - then Summary. Save the report as plain text. Please post back, with that report as an attachment. With the info we may be able to find a better driver.