[Help] Sound problems after closing Volume Control

[HyperHacker]

I like to keep the Volume Control (sndvol32) program running so I can quickly see the volume level. However, when it's running, no other program is able to change the volume except for the volume control keys on the keyboard. Since I use my computer as a makeshift alarm clock, I need the program that does this to be able to adjust the volume as well. The simple solution would be to close the Volume Control. However after I do this, not only can no other program adjust the volume (keyboard still can) but Volume Control won't open:

There are no active mixer devices available. To install mixer devices, go to Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Add Hardware.

This program will now close.

Nor will Winamp play anything:

Bad DirectSound driver. Please install proper drivers or select another device in configuration.

Error code: 88780078

My sound/audio device control panel shows no playback, recording or MIDI devices, all of which exist. The "AC97 Audio Control Panel" my sound drivers added won't open. All the devices are shown and said to be working properly in the device manager. Strangest of all my system sounds (when an error message appears, program opens or closes etc) still play. Only way to get any other sound to play is to reboot.

[GrofLuigi]

Bad DirectSound driver. Please install proper drivers or select another device in configuration.

Error code: 88780078

It must be the driver. From your specs, I can't conclude definitely what is your mobo, but I had similar issues with Nforce2. I've used Realtec AC97 drivers successfuly from version 3.70 on, but on version 3.80, it stopped playing sounds! Everything was OK in device manager, sound control panel and everywhere else, but no sound came out of the speakers. You can imagine my frustration... Version 3.77 was the last one that worked, and I haven't tried newer versions ever since - went back to Nvidia's drivers.

In your case, I'd try with uninstalling the driver, then installing ANOTHER version of the driver (newer or older), booting in safe mode... If all else fails, format C: and reinstall windows.

GL