i noticed that all of a sudden my Dell laptop wasn't playing any sounds. i go to volume control, and it says:
There are no active mixer devices available. To install mixer devices, go to Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Add Hardware.

I do that, click Sounds and Audio Devices, and it says that there in the volume tab it says that there is No Audio Device. However, i go to the Hardware tab and it says that I have an Intel audio controller and it "is working properly."

I try out Windows Media player and it says:
Windows Media Player cannot play the file because there is a problem with your sound device. There might not be a sound device installed on your computer, it might be in use by another program, or it might not be functioning properly.

help me. please. help me.
I guess this is one of those times I'm glad I got a mac mini for my wedding.

Sorry.

why would you do that.

actually, restarting worked. goddamn it.

Ha!

i'll get you yet, lego.

you could go to dell's website and download the audio drivers for your model (there might be updated drivers.) other than that, you could try a system restore. it should be on your start menu under programs >> accessories >> system tools. pick a restore point where you remember your audio working (they usually go back a few weeks).
EDIT: or you could try something much less complicated

this has been my lowest moment.

crack whore.

My computer has also been doing strange things with audio (Dell as well), though I think it's more a problem with Media Player.

I guess I should bite the bullet and get a better player. Any suggestions?

You might want to go get those drivers from Dell anyway. I know that some laptop models (Latitudes, for one) shipped with pretty buggy sound drivers. There are newer driver versions on the site.