ok,
Now my question is how did you install the driver? did you run the wizard or did you do a manual install using the .inf file in the folder?

What driver did you download? Did you get it from the ESS website?

Did you get the XP specific driver? or did you try the NT version?

What other software are you running currently on your machine?


NOw,
without knowing the answers to the above I am going to postulate my solution which may or may not help...

1. Delete the driver you have on your system currently. Make sure you still have the updated driver. Also, if it is in a zipped folder make sure to extract it!

2. Go into safemode, restart and tap F8 repeatedly (DONT HOLD f8 down) and insure that you have deleted the driver. WHILe IN safemode click start, right click my computer, properties, Hardware, device manager, sound, video, game controllers, and find your AUDIO driver. DELETE IT.
then restart again in safemode. Then try to install your new updated driver. ONce you have it installed, restart your PC immedidately. (*NOTE: If it doesnt let you install it in safemode, simply restart and install it in normal mode)

3. Check to see if your audio driver is functioning. Restart your PC. Shut it down, and the do a cold boot.

4. Try never to use Hibernation or Standby... I have found it can do more damage than good! I never use either of those features and in fact I have them disabled on all of my machines. just some advice.

DO THE BELOW ONLY AFTER YOU HAVE EXHAUSTED EVERY OPTION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
5. If you still can't fix it, try another driver. ALSO, can you tell if you have a soundcard? Can you open the case? If so, look inside, See if you have a card much like your modem or NIC card installed, with the AUdio jacks on the outside of the PC. If you have a card based audio, then you might want to invest a few dollars and get an audio card upgrade. I recommend two of the best, and one decent audio card.
1. Sound Blaster card (any type will do)
http://www.soundblaster.com/
2. Turtle Beach
http://www.3dsoundsurge.com/reviews/...santacruz.html

and the third card:
3. ONLINE ORDER ONLY -
AOpenŽ AW840 PNP PCI Channel Sound Card (Retail Box) - 1 Yr Dealer Warranty Stereo Digital mixing from Voice, FM/Wave-table, MP3/Wave Player. 3D Effects Processor & Full-Duplex.
(Part - 90.18610.840)
$ 12 $2 - 5.85 Insured
AOPEN SOUND CARD

GOOD LUCK,
and please keep us updated on your progress.
BB