No Sound from Non-PCM File with Windows Driver Model Audio Drivers (289226)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP1
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server SP1
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP1
This article was previously published under Q289226

SYMPTOMS

When you try to play a non-PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) WAV audio file on a Windows 2000 computer with WDM (Windows Driver Model) audio drivers installed, no sound is produced.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the Wdmaud.drv (WDM Audio Driver Mapper) file interfaces with Kmixer.sys (Kernel Mode Audio Mixer), which supports only the PCM audio format.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows 2000. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

260910 How to Obtain the Latest Windows 2000 Service Pack

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, install non-WDM drivers for your audio device.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Microsoft Windows 2000.

This problem was first corrected in Windows 2000 Service Pack 2.

MORE INFORMATION

Devices such as software-based DVD players require the use of non-PCM audio formats to play content like AC3 (Dolby Digital 5.1) audio.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/19/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbfix kbsound kbWin2000PreSP2Fix KB289226
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