thanks, I havent been on since I fixed it. I was messing about with the programmes that tell you your system info in depth and I came accross one that reminded me I have a turtle beach soundcard and I got the drivers from their site, installed it and all was well.
I wish I could remember the programme, it was one of those that tell you what drivers you need from a free scan before wanting to charge you to go and get them. I didnt need to pay because simply seeing 'santa cruz' turtle beach set off a memory reaction.
thank you *so* much for your help tho. And I hope this prompts others with similar problems to have a nose round for programmes of this type, amongst all the dross there is the odd nugget.
Keep up the good work, bookworm, I think you're a star.
