Using Game Compatible Device to Troubleshoot Sound Problems on Windows 98 (178637)


The information in this article applies to:

  • DreamWorks Interactive, Dilbert's Desktop Games 1.0
  • DreamWorks Interactive, Lost World: Jurassic Park Chaos Island 1.0
  • DreamWorks Interactive, The Neverhood 1.0
  • DreamWorks Interactive, Scholastic's Goosebumps Series: Attack of the Mutant 1.0
  • DreamWorks Interactive, Scholastic's Goosebumps Series: Escape from Horrorland 1.0
  • Microsoft Age of Empires
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 Professional Edition
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator 98
  • Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition 1.0
  • Microsoft Golf 1999 Edition 1.0
  • Microsoft Outwars 1.0
This article was previously published under Q178637

SYMPTOMS

When you start one of the programs listed at the beginning of this article, you may experience one of the following symptoms:
  • You receive the following error message:
    Error initializing DirectSound.
  • You do not hear any sounds when you run the program.
  • Your computer stops responding (hangs).
Sounds in Microsoft Windows are played correctly.

CAUSE

This issue may occur if the sound driver installed on your computer is not fully compatible with DirectSound.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, contact your sound card manufacturer to inquire about how to obtain and install the latest version of the sound driver is available for your sound card.

If the latest version of the sound driver for your sound card is already installed on your computer, you may be able to resolve this issue by using the Game Compatible audio device that is associated with certain modems. To install the Game Compatible audio device, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Modems.
  3. Click Add.
  4. Click to select the Don't detect my modem; I will select it from a list check box, and then click Next.
  5. In the Manufacturers box, click 3X.

    Note3X may not be available in some versions of Windows.
  6. In the Models box, click 3X 14.4 Data Fax Modem Voice.
  7. Click Next.
  8. Click any port, and then click Next.

    Follow the instructions on the screen.
  9. Click Finish, and then click Close.
After you add the 3X Data Fax Modem Voice modem, set the Game Compatible Device to be your default audio playback device. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Multimedia.
  3. Under Playback, click Game Compatible Device in the Preferred Device box.
  4. Click to select the Use Preferred Devices Only check box, and then click OK.
  5. Close Control Panel, and then restart the computer.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/16/2005
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb kbsound KB178637
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.