sound volumn problem

I have a Gateway computer running XP service pack 3. I am having a problem
with the sound volume; it keeps stopping and I get an error message: sound mixer is turned off. I have gone into the local services Window Audio and set it to automatic and start. Some program turned the sound mixer off again but I don't know what program. I then went back to local services and this time set it to restart within 1 minute when disable. The problem is still there, but it will restart the sound mixer after a minute.
If I set the restart to 0 instead of 1 minute will that cause a problem. I realize that this is just bypassing the problem. Wonder if anyone has any ideas as to a solution for the problem. Thanks and any advice would be appreciated.

sam

 

Is this fixed yet?
Try reinstalling sound drivers, and check for malware.