If you’ve ever gotten an error message when using Windows that states the system is looking for a “PCI multimedia audio device,” it means the system is looking for audio device drivers. Windows will check your hard drive for these drivers, but eventually, it will prompt you to install them from either a CD-ROM, floppy, or the Internet.
How to Update Audio Drivers
When you buy a new sound card and install it yourself, a CD-ROM with the required audio device drivers should be included with the product. Make sure you follow the installation instructions exactly to avoid any problems. Usually, you’ll need to install the drivers before you install the new sound card on your system. After you install the new sound card, rebooting the system should help you resolve any additional error messages, should they occur.
Alternatively, searching the Internet can also provide you with the required drivers. Simply search for the manufacturer’s website in your browser’s search box, look for their support and downloads page, then locate your product on that page. Be sure to select the correct operating system (such as Windows XP) and product identification number before downloading any software. Once the download is complete, open the file and install the drivers on your computer. Your computer may need to be rebooted for the changes to take effect.
If you are not sure what kind of audio device you have, and you are using a Windows operating system, this information can be located by going to your system’s control panel, clicking on system properties, and then the device driver tab. This will then show all of the hardware installed on your computer. Then, look for the sound, video, and game controllers icon and click on it. This will show all of the audio devices installed on your computer. If there are any problems with a particular audio device, a yellow circle with an exclamation point will be shown next to it. You may choose to use the trouble-shooter at this point if you need assistance installing the necessary audio device drivers.
For those individuals using another operating system, the audio device information can be found either through the system’s control panel or by searching for the device information at the system start-up.
