C-Media AC97 Audio Device - This Device Cannot Start. (Code 10)

Error Message:

Cannot start this hardware.

There was a problem installing this hardware:
C-Media AC97 Audio Device

Symptoms:
There is no sound. When you open up Device Manager, there is a yellow exclamation mark on C-Media AC97 Audio Device. When you double click C-Media AC97 Audio Device, under device status, it says:
This device cannot start. (code 10)
Click troubleshoot to start the troubleshooter for this device.

Screenshot:


Probable Cause:
This is a common problem when you have Realtek AC97 chipset. Somehow Windows XP recognize Realtek sound device as C-Media AC97 Audio Device.

Solution:
Download and install the latest version of Realtek AC97 driver and it should be fine. Here's a screenshot of a working one:

Comments

Anonymous said…
thank you! it works for me!!
Anonymous said…
Thank you very much for this info. I couldn't understand this problem, so I was pulling out plugs and fiddling with wires, until I searched on the net and found your advice. I downloaded the file and everything is now fine. Best Regards.
Unknown said…
Finally, got it working. Thanks so much!
Anonymous said…
Sir, You have no idea how long I have fiddled with this issue. I thank you wholeheartedly for resolving this for me. I was able to get that audio chip to work using linux, but had problems with other things so switched back to XP only to have the same audio issue re-appear. I have searched long and wide for a solution. Thank you! It is finished...
sctrj said…
I see others have had their challeges fixed by this. What if my Realtek driver does not show up incorrectly in the list and I still get the Yellow triangle and a code 10? I have downloaded the newest driver. Nothin!! I have uninstalled and reinstalled. Nothin!!! I am using XP SP3. Please help.
therandomeditor said…
Woooot! Finally! This works! I've been dying to know what's wrong with my audio device. Thank you so much for this blog. It really helped me! I've reformatted my pc the past few days for the first time and I didn't know that I still have to backup some drivers. But thank you, now I've learned :D
Downloading it now
Hope it works!!
have been googling for 4 days now with out result!
Anonymous said…
You are an ANGEL! Thank you!
Anonymous said…
Mucked up the shared computer, been tearing my hair out trying to fix this; did what you said and it worked! You saved my bacon mate, many thanks!
Anonymous said…
Dude, you are a LIFESAVER. I've spent weeks of vague attempts and then three hours of concentrated attempts trying to fix this issue. Forums make it so complicated and provide a myriad of links, demand all sorts of computer info... I find your page and wham! Fixed. Thanks so much.

-Sarkywoman
alene55 said…
You guys are AMAZING! Thank you--this worked and SO EASY! My goodness, if everyone knew how to cut right to the chase. Thanks, my heros today!
Anonymous said…
Hi,
My computer shows cmedia ac 97 and it works, but my sound is choppy. Both programs are listed separately in the add/remove programs. Should I remove cmedia and only have realtek?
Anonymous said…
you are a genius!! I have had this problem for 5 years but now I can finally watch films on my computer!
Anonymous said…
got a new pc for my daughter with lots of game but no sound so no use for my kids, they are upset for past 4 days . I am searching net for solution, downlaoded this driver today and if it loads well then my prayers to Lord Mahaveer and ganesha and all 360 million gods and goddesses of hindu mythology to help and protect you
Anonymous said…
ThankU! My device is now fixed, but I still can't hear any sound when Im playing music. Did I forget to activate something?
Anonymous said…
Hmmmm THankx Brother I donwload ur Driver and install sound media msg was going but sound are not com plz help me
Anonymous said…
Thanks a million, it really worked for me too.
harry said…
Thanks a Ton!! This worked like magic and am so much indebted to you!
You have no idea how much relieved I am since I was fixing something on someone else's computer.

Keep this going!!!
Neno said…
It works somehow! Thank you, buddy!You just saved my life! ;)

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