I checked under my device manager and it shows an exclamation point next to "Multimedia Controller" under sound, video, and game controllers [this is on XP].

When I pick properties it says manufacturer unknown. Then location says PCI Slot 2 (PCI bus 0, device 15, function 0) - not sure what that is really.

under status it has:
The drivers for this device are not installed. (Code 28)

To reinstall the drivers for this device, click Reinstall Driver.

Well, I have a big book of cds for drivers, and I ran them all through and it NEVER recognized any of them as the correct driver. I don't even know what it is exactly or what driver to get or what WEBSITE to go to... Im clueless.

Help please? Thanks.That could be your On-board soundcard. Is it enabled in the BIOS? If you have a PCI soundcard installed, it most likely is.Hmm...not sure if it is enabled in BIOS or not...

I know I have a creative labs soundcard or some such ... I think. *laughs*

But, does this mean I should go into BIOS and disable the sound card or something? Sorry, like the name says - ComputerNewbie =\

Thanks for the help, though.Are you experiencing problems related to the Multimedia controller?Well, I am not sure if this is a problem related to it directly or not. You see, I had Sims 2 installed and it ran slow, but it ran [I only pass the req'd processor speed by 100, but I can't buy a new one I doubt it since I have no clue how you would install it - and I dont have the money to pay for an expensive DELL or something]. I recently redid the computer - erased it all and put XP back in, and now the Sims 2 will begin to load, show the icon in the taskbar, then freeze completely. Might be causing that since it worked fine before filled with junk.

Any ideas?Your processor speed is not the only part of your computer that determines your computer speed.

How Stuff Works - Hardware Channel

Before upgrading your PC I suggest you READ through these articles to learn more about what you have to upgrade.

Did you reinstall The Sims 2 yet? Updated all your drivers?

You may have to install MOTHERBOARD drivers in order to activate the Multimedia Controller properly.
Well I figured I would just take the thing apart and hope I remembered what went where =) Turns out that the thing it was talking about was some sort of tv to monitor or vice versa sort of deal. I found the manufacturer's label, went to their site, and after a hard time I found the driver.

So, I redid the computer again to fix anything I messed up, I put in all the new updated video graphics and sound drivers. Now everything looks to be in good shape.

Oddly enough, the Sims 2 still does the same freeze deal. Why? I couldn't tell you. Maybe the service pack 2 messed it up - but I coulda swore I had it installed before as well.

*sighs* Anyhow, at least that driver is done with

Thanks for following through and helping me out!I have a Multimedia Controller as well. I believe you are refering to your videocard?

As for The Sims 2, contact EA technical support. They are better able to help you than I am. Explain them what you have done in order to run into this problem.