So guys. I'm a technologically disabled idiot, so bare with me. I have a Windows/Toshiba 98 laptop and it has no sound and I've been trying to play some old computer games on it (yes, they are compatible) No sound. Zip, zilch, zero, none. I've tried speakers and headphones. I've tried the internet, but have gotten nowhere. You're my last chance!

If it helps any, the model is PS160U-18886.

Sounds like maybe your sound card has bit the dust. Or the drivers for it could be corrupt. You could Google the kind of sound card you have and try to reinstall the drivers.

Technotard moment. Where do I locate this sound card device everyone keeps talking about?

Does it happen to say no audio output device installed?

It doesn't say crap. Not only am I a moron, but my computer doesn't talk back when I talk to it. Under what circumstances would it say this?

It's been a while since it's happened to my laptop (which is also a toshiba) but when the sound would stop working it would just randomly say no audio output device installed. Never quite figured out why.

Past that, I have no idea what could be causing the problem. Sorry

TT-TT But- but- this thing is my baby! I mean, it's prehistoric and might weigh about 20 pounds...

I'll take a look and see what it says.

I've also got vista though so who knows.

Well, I have my Vista 7 that I use for internet and stuff. Normal use. Then there's my dinosaur Windows 98. I mostly use it for typing, seeing as it boots up and opens documents so fast. I've never had an issue with it freezing, but the last time I used it for sound was years ago! So I don't know when the sound went and why.

It sounds like the sound card bit the dust and on something as old as it sounds, I'm not surprised. I will warn you that you may wind up putting more time and money into the thing than it's worth. I mean, it's entirely possible to take it to someone and have them replace the card but you'll likely pay through the nose because of the thing's age.

And it might just be the start of things too. Sound card now, something else later...

Is it at all possible to clean the card myself?

No. Sorry.

With a system that old it is likely to be a hardware failure. The sound card in this system is part of the motherboard, as it is with most laptops. If this has indeed failed, it would cost more to replace than it would buying a better laptop.

You might be lucky and this is only a driver issue. Go to hardware settings and audio drivers and click on update.