Gateway GM5626 and IDT High Definition Audio Drivers -- Issue

I recently purchased a Gateway Desktop. When the machine goes into sleep
mode, the sound goes away after it starts up again. (No Audio Device
Installed.) WHen I reboot, it is fine.

A similar occurence happens when I cold boot the machine many hours after a
complete shutdown.

I have updated the drivers to the latest available from Intel. But, nothing
solves the problem.

Gateway recommends that I "restore to the factory settings;" i.e. go back to
the beginning which had the same symptoms.

Any ideas?