Audio Driver will not install

After 8 hours without success installing Windows Vista 32 bit from
Scratch, and 8 more hours seeking around on the Net for solutions, I try
this forum.

Problem:
Cannot install Sound Driver. Sais: "Installation failed!
The audio driver files do not support your computer hardware.
Note: if you have uninstalled audio software without restarting your
PC, restart now, then run this setup again"

Clean Vista Ultimate 32 install.

Strange Observation:confused::
In Device Manager, High Definition Audio Controller found under "System
Devices" with Microsoft's driver - but no audio device is listed under
Sound and Audio Devices.

MB: ASUS P5E3 Premium Wifi Ap@N

Many thanks in advance

Niels, if you have the Realtek High Definition audio controller, the
Microsoft driver will not work. Go the the Realtek site (or whoever the
sound card manufacturer is) and download the proper driver.

Thanks for the hint. But it's a ADI AD1988B chip (SoundMax) on board.
The Microsoft driver autoinstalls at startup. Even if I remove it, it
installs almost instantaneously again .- but as a "System device",, and
not as a Sound device. The Microsoft driver reports that it is working
OK.

Installing the SoundMax driver was supposed to replace the Microsoft
driver.

The problem is: When I try to install the right SoundMax driver, it
will not install.
"Installation failed!"
"The audio driver files do not support your computer hardware.
Note: if you have uninstalled audio software without restarting your
PC, restart now, then run this setup again"

This type of driver issue has been the main bugaboo of upgrading to
Vista. If you haven't already, inquire at ADI or Microsoft about
compatibility of this chip set. It is likely that Vista drivers will
require a hardware upgrade. Wish I knew more about the subject, but I
wish you good luck.

You did not mention where you got the driver.
As this is an on board sound system you will probably have to obtain the
device driver from the maker of the board, not the maker of the chip. As
each board maker implements the interface to the chip set slightly
differently, often only the drivers supplied by the board maker for that
particular motherboard will work.
For instance in my case of a Dell XPS410 (Sigma Tel) I had to wait quite a
while for drivers that would permit Vista's SP1 to be installed.
Using drivers that were available from other locations on the web would not
install/work.

I use the drivers supplied on the MB's own driver-CD from ASUS. They are
not updated yet on ASUS' homepage, so I use the most recent drivers from
the board's manufacturer.

Now it's getting serious!

I have installed XP and the XP drivers. It's precise the same problem
as with Vista and Vista drivers. Yes, I have indeed enabled the HD Audio
in the Bios.

Maybe it's a fault in the MB - dos anyone have any other suggestions,
they would be very appreciated.

[smudgers]

Listening to some music a few days ago and then suddenly the sound stops.

I have the same problem - soundMAX driver that i'm trying to install from my mobo manufacturer's (asus) cd gives me the same error message.

I can't even see a sound category in device manager, it's as if my computer has lost all 'concept' of what sound is :(

Windows refuses to install a generic sound driver on restart.

Tried multiple speakers and made sure that windows audio is set to automatic in services.

Oddly my usb headphones work???

Can't figure it out, been looking for answers for days now... might take a hammer to it... hmm