BleepingComputer.com: Dell Inspiron 8100 Notebook-No sound

I have a Dell Inspiron 8100 Notebook computer running Windows 2000, Version 5.0 (Build 2195: Service Pack 4). I have no sound coming from my speakers during windows start-up or if I try to play an mp3 file. I also have no speaker icon on my task bar. Looking at the Device Manager – Sound, video and game controllers area I have the following:
-Audio Codecs
-ESS Maestro PCI Audio (WDM)
-Legacy Audio Drivers
-Legacy Video Capture Devices
-Media Control Devices
-Video Codecs
One device is showing the dreaded exclamation point (!). It’s for the ESS Maestro PCI Audio (WDM) device by ESS Technology, Inc.. Checking the properties, the device status window notes the following:
“This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)”.
Looking at the Sounds and Multimedia Properties icon, under the Audio tab, all the items are grayed out (Sound Playback, Sound Recording and MIDI Music Playback).
This issue started after installing a LinkSys RangePlus Wireless Notebook Adapter. Can you assist me in getting my sound back?

Thank you,
Sprinks

The device with the "!", right click on it and select Properties, then click on the Details tab, then on Hardware ID in the dropdown box. It should be in this format:

"PCI\VEN_4444&DEV_0016&SUBSYS_40090070&REV_01"

Post back what you find.

WOW! Thank you Budapest for your speedy inquiry!

Here are my steps:
Right click the ESS Maestro PCI Audio (WDM) and select Properties.
I have (4) tabs to choose from; General, Properties, Driver, Resources. I selected the Properties tab.
Under the heading "Multimedia devices" I have (4) choices;
+Audio Devices
-ESS PCI Audio (WDM)
+MIDI Devices and Instruments
-WDM-based Device (this is the only one that offers a "Details" tab)
+Mixer Devices
-ESS PCI Audio (WDM)
+Line Input Devices
-ESS PCI Audio (WDM)

I selected the WDM-based Device and clicked on the Details tab, the only information listed is "WDM-based Device with nothing listed under "Instrument definition".

All the other devices only have a General tab with this information. Under Audio Devices, I selected ESS PCI Audio (WDM) which activated the "Properties" button. The next page only shows a General tab with this information:
ESS PCI Audio (WDM)
Status: Driver is enabled and functioning properly
Use audio feature on this device is selected. The other two are;
Do not use audio features on this device.
Do not map through this device.

My operating system is Windows 2000.

Sorry if I've missed something. Can you try again?

Thanks,
Sprinks

You could try installing this driver:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/...mp;fileid=54266

However it says it's for Windows XP so it might not work. Worth a try though I think.

I downloaded the driver you suggested and problem solved! THANK YOU!

Once again, Bleeping Computer comes through.

Let me know how I can make a donation to you for your time.

Thanks again,
Sprinks