Friends, I originally posted this in the "Windows XP" section but have moved to here because this section is more relevant.

I was trying to use Skype, which I last used as Skype-out on New Years day, but the Microphone on headset refused to work. (Tried second headset with same result)

Tried the wizard which couldn't find anything. (Not even the volume control worked) (The headset speakers worked, too well, I was deafened!)

Checked with "Device manager", informed that there was no problem!

THEN!

Tried to play music, failed, no sound! (Even through external speakers)

Used "Troubleshooter" which took me to a point I no longer understood! (Kept taking me back to step of checking "Device Manager" and "Microphone Configuration" which of course didn't work!)

Checked for my programme for audio which originally was "Avance AC'97 Audio" (Sound card is the same, I think), apparently not there! Found driver on net, (on Mr. Driver.com) downloaded, failed to work, conflict with C-Media WDM Audio Driver, which I had selected from the Windows update site.

Desperation! Went to "Control Panel" uninstalled ALL audio programmes to start again. (Or so I thought!)

Switched off, went to bed!

Next morning booted up, got error message (cnicnfg.cpl "Module could not be found") (Refer XP forum), rolled back to original audio programme as stated, still no "microphone configuration" I cannot use Skype, it tells me there is no recording device enabled!

Can play music through headset and external speakers! Microphone still does not work!

Despair sets in again!

PS. Have thought of using "System Restore" but after my last problem with the registry (Windows Download went wrong)(Installation of RegSupremePro changed the operation to the good), I deleted all restore points (There were dozens, 14 over a 2 week period alone!) and the latest is too late to catch the right point in time! Groan!

2 days later: Have removed ALL audio programmes with "Control Panel", registered server (New) with Asus Barebones and downloaded original driver.

Still not recognised, "Device Manager" says it does not exist, "Microphone Configuration" states that there is no device fitted!

Any ideas, Peter?

ADDENDUM:I cannot play music now, I am told that no device is fitted! And so it goes on!