Creative sound card failure

Running XP SP2 on Dell Dimension Pentium IV with Creative Sound Blaster Live 5.1 (OEM) sound card. Stopped working suddenly, both Winamp and WMP have error messages similar to "no sound device found". Ran Creative diagnostics, and it passes the hardware detection but fails all drivers. Device Manager shows no problems. Downloaded current software and driver package but did not install because it could not identify the hardware. Opened the case and verified connections were OK. Speakers are OK playing system sounds. Configuration changes the past few days include the 4/10 Windows update (card worked 4/11, failed 4/12)
So, anything else I can try to confirm a failure of the card or a software driver issue?
Assuming the card failed I see three options and would like opinions: 1) the current card is still available for sale, but this seems wrong to install old hardware, 2) current Creative standard seems to be X-Fi XtremeMusic which appears to be the same size PCI card and will fit my configuration, or 3) Creative Live 5.1 24 bit External sound card that is getting good user reviews.

 

You could try reinstalling you sound card drivers.

 

I have the same exact prob..I did try installing drivers but no luck

 

Do you have your install CDs? I just found mine and installed the sonic disc...now I have sound again

 

Tried the reinstall from the Sonic disc, no luck. Also ran spyware and virus scans with no issues.

 

One suggestion I was given was to remove and reinsert the card to make sure it has contact

 

John here, at Dell headquarters. I was just wondering if you had tried to reseat the card, and if it did the trick. Let me know if you need any help!

 

I was having problems kinda like this, Creative had me do a "clean sweep" which they walked me through by email. i'll see if i still jhave it somewhere...

ahh, here it is: http://us.creative.com/support/kb/article.asp?l=3&sid=1712

from the creative tech:

 

Its fixed. About a month ago I opened the case and did my annual dusting. Decided to open it again and check all connections and card attachments. Didn't find anything that seemed loose, but after closing it up and reconnecting it worked. Thanks for all the advice.