Gateway Notebook Sound Help (Windows XP Home w/SP2)

[thedeadinme]

I have a gateway notebook model 400vtx computer with xp-sp2 home edition. I have a AC7 WDM SigmaTel Audio Driver and the sound card is a Realtek AC97 Audio Device. Ok here is my current problem. I know there is something wrong with my sound. I know it's not a hardware problem. Here is what happens. First when I try to have my sound/volume icon on my taskbar, it doesn't show up. It is check marked in my sounds seetings in my control panel but no volume icon shows up. Next, when I use my webcam (with built in mic), everything works except when I try to hear who is talking to me and the other person can not hear me. Next, when I go online most of the sounds dont play. Like at this website called

http://www.myspace.com

or go to this link

http://www.myspace.com/Earlimart

to see the player at the right and try to hear the music on the player. Next, I know its not hardware b/c I can download music and what not and I can hear everything else fine. My cd's, mp3,s and cdrom work fine. I already tried uninstalling and reinstalling the webcam software, sound card drivers. Also keep in mind im an intermediate MCSE so I know some stuff.. I need more technical help... someone help me out please... Thanks

 

[micker377]

I've read situations such as this caused by a firewall not letting internet sound through.

 

[thedeadinme]

so what do i do then?

 

[micker377]

Try it (quickly) with the firewall turned off. You don't want to stay on-line very long without a firewall. This is just to test to see if it is your problem.

 

[thedeadinme]

the thing is, is that i have mcafee virus protection and all that other stuff but i turned off the firewall and i never have it on...

 

[micker377]

How do you connect to the internet (cable, DSL, or dial-up)?

 

[thedeadinme]

i have cable internet.. i also am wireless on a linksys 802.11b router card.. umm do you have aim? so we can talk through that.. if not lets go directly to the first problem. im trying to place the volume on the taskbar next to where you can show/hide items by the clock and the check is checked in my sounds on control panel but no icon is there.. and i have to adjust the volume through there..