How to "Fix No Audio Device Found" Error in Windows Vista

Computer speakers and microphones rely on a properly installed audio hardware device driver.

Install updated audio hardware device drivers to solve the "No Audio Device Found" error on computers running the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. Hardware devices require a small software "driver" in order for the operating system to recognize them and this driver needs to be specific to both the hardware and the operating system in order to work. By installing the updated driver, the audio device will be accessible and work as expected, providing system sounds, music and Web content to the speakers or headphones and allowing the use of the microphone or other audio devices.

Instructions

1. Click "Start" and "Control Panel."

2. Click "Hardware and Sound" and click "Device Manager."

3. Click "Continue" when prompted for administrative permission to perform the action. If you are unable to perform the action due to lack of permission, log off the computer and log on as the administrator or as a user that has administrative privileges.

4. Click the "Plus" sign ("+") next to the "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" line in "Device Manager."

5. Double-click the device that has an exclamation point or question mark next to it, which indicates a problem with the hardware device driver, to launch the audio device properties dialog box. If there are no such devices located in the sound, video and game controllers section, look for an "Unknown Device" located elsewhere and double-click on it.

6. Click "Update Driver" from the "Driver" tab of the audio device properties dialog box.

7. Click "Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software." Follow the prompts to install the updated driver. If a driver is not found, launch a Web browser and navigate to the computer, motherboard or sound card manufacturer's website to locate the updated hardware device drivers and download them, following the specific instructions included with the driver being downloaded.

Tips & Warnings

• Many hardware device drivers will automatically install the necessary software when installed from the original manufacturer's installation CD or when downloaded from the Web.

• Contact technical support for the particular brand of computer, motherboard or sound card to obtain specific instructions for updating the drivers as these steps can vary slightly by brand and model.

• Use caution when downloading driver files from unfamiliar websites such as "Driver" collection sites or when installing software to automatically fix driver issues, as these can contain virus infections or other unwanted software which may cause other problems. Use only the manufacturer's website when possible.

References

• Microsoft; The Hunt for Drivers: How to Find Windows Vista Drivers for All Your Hardware; John Swenson
• "Upgrading and Repairing PCs, 18th Edition"; Scott Mueller; 2009

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Dell: Drivers & Downloads
• Gateway: How Do I Restore Drivers and Applications Using eRecovery?
• MSI: Live Update Online
• "CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing & Maintaining Your PC"; Jean Andrews; 2008