Thanks for the advice, but I'd like to leave that more towards the end of the "last resort" spectrum as I'm assuming when you say "fit a PCI sound card" you mean purchase a new one and install it? Please clarify "fit."
For me it would be quite a task to remove and install a new one. Anyway, I've read the links on similiar no sound problems and did this:
1) Checked in Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Mg’mt > Services and Applications > Services > Windows Audio. Under “Starting Up Type” column it was “Automatic." Did a right click and initiated “Start,” got a message back that said “Could not start the Windows Audio on Local Computer. Error 1053: the service did not start or respond to the control request in a timely fashion.”
2) Updated Realtec driver (for Toshiba Satelite P25- S607 (my laptop))
with Realtek ALC202 at Reatek
http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/...&Software=True
3) I will check if the sound card is disabled in BIOS now...
I believe this No sound issue cropped up after an update...but it was so long ago (maybe a year and a half) that I can't exactly recall.
Any further guidance is GREATLY appreciated. My ultimate last resort is to re-install from the recovery CD but I'm not convinced that would re-initiate sound AND it would be a royal pain to do all of that. Thanks!