audio AND video probs - could it be a driver installation problem?

This is posted also in "software" and "hardware". I am so desparate I am going everywhere that may emotely relate to my problem, which could be a driver installation problem. I have tried to give as much info as possible but if you need more just ask.

I have windows xp, sp2 with a creative soundblaster live wdm. Installing SB also gives me Soundmax Integrated Digital Audio. I have directX 9.0c.

Problem #1. No sound. The card is recognized in device manager but properties says that the driver is enabled but has not been started.

A dxdiag test in audio failed, saying the drivers are not installed, specifically it mentions P16x.sys and smwdm.sys. They're there, I've found them. I tried uninstalling the drivers and reinstalling them. I have uninstalled the card and reinstalled the card. I have removed and relocated the card in hopes I could start all over, at which point it recognizes the hardware, I go through the install process for SB and it says device is now ready.

After all that, control panel/sounds has greyed out display with "no audio device installed", and the device manager shows I have the hardware but the enabled-but-not-started message.

Either I have missed steps or maybe I did something in the wrong order. It's not reading the drivers and I can't figure out why. If I have to do an uninstall and reinstall thing, if someone could please run me through STEP BY STEP to ensure I'll do it correctly. THANKS

Problem #2. A display error - cannot display this video mode - when doing a dxdiag test of draw and acceleration. Only the first two tests, small screen, come out ok. Other tests fail and show that error.

I have NCIDIA GeGorce 4 MX 440 with AGP 8x., display ram 64. Set at 1024 x 768, VGA. with driver nv4_disp.dll.

a test on driveragent.com shows all ok with these drivers and it even recognizes that I have them!!

Here's some more info on those two driver files I have and it won't recognize:

the file smwdm.sys is located in these locations:

C:\driver\audio
C:\windows\system32\drivers
C:\DELL\drivers\R10511\SMAXWDM\W2K_XP
C:\Dell\drivers\R58182\SMAXWDM\SE
C:\DELL\drivers\R58182\SMAXWDM\W2K_XP

The file P16X.sys is found to be in

C:\Program Files\soundblaster\audio\drivers\WIN2_XP
C:\I386
C\drivers\audio\addon
c:\windows\system32\drivers
C:\widows\system32\reinstallbackups\0025\driver files
C:\widows\system32\reinstallbackups\0026\driver files


So, WHAT'S UP?

PS - did all the usual - virus and adware scans and cord inspections too!
And, all devices are shown as enabled in device manager and the system set up has sound on and pc speaker on. I can't think of any more info to give you but please ask anything as I am willing to help you to help me. I've been at this (no lie) 8 hours a day for 4 days now. I've read every article but they don't specifically relate to my specs so I'm not sure, plus they are all about 4 years old and there may be new info/knowledge out there (if only I could find it!).


A HUGE thanks!

*desperate housewife *

 

just for additional info - my display is a Dell E151FPb, set at 1024/768 with 32 bit color at a refresh rate of 60. If I raise the refresh rate I can't see ANYTHING, with the screen saying it cannot display this video mode. I am not able to lower it. I am hesitant to play with the resolution unless I am told to.

Also, if I totally uninstall Nividia drivers and then reboot - what happens? Will I see anythin? Wil the computer auto-install the drivers needed for the monitor? I'm confused on that and am afraid to uninstall and have to monitor.

Gotta find answers to this!!! PLEASE someone help! Thanks!

Also, if I uninstall soundblaster completely and reinstall, it recognizes the drivers (enabled) but says they are not working. Are there other places I need to "remove" the drivers? Could there be a conflict with all the uninstalls and reinstalls I've done?? Could someone run me through this step by step if this is what I have to do?

UGH UGH UGH!!!