I am running Windows Vista Business on an HP EliteBook 2530p with all operating system updates applied automatically. My laptop has a SoundMax audio device integrated on the motherboard. I am using this sound output device often. Especially when traveling, and listening in a hotel to an Internet radio station. Or for using Skype.
Audio stopped working
Suddenly the sound device stopped working. The sound applet in the Control Panel reported that “No audio device installed”. The Device Manager reported that the driver for this audio device was working properly. Asking the Device Manager to update the driver gave as answer that the driver was up to date. The obvious conclusion is that of a hardware defect. But the laptop is brand new.
Solution
I have searched the Internet and applied many of the suggestions I found. But all to no avail. However, I did solve it. May be other people can profit from my solution. The message of the Device Manager that the audio driver was up to date turned out to be wrong. I checked the HP website and finally found the new driver. Dowloaded it, installed it and rebooted. And the sound system worked again.
