error 88780078

I am getting two different problems about the same thing. The first one
happens when I try to use wmp, I am told I have bad directsound drivers and
need to reinstall them. I can't reinstall them as none seem to be the right
ones.

I don't think my sound card is operating properly as my device manager tells
me I have a legacy audio driver, that's it. I remember having soundblaster,
just not sure which one.

The second problem, which is most likely related, happens when I try to
access the volume controls. I am then told I don't have a mixer control, and
have to go to "printers and other hardware" to get the mixer controls. I am
not a complete computer dummy, but I have never seen "printers and other
hardware" in the control panel. If I access the printers folder, there are
no options related to "other hardware" anywhere in the folder.

If anyone understands this or can help, I'd sure appreciate it.

1.) Control Panel
2.) Sounds & Audio Devices icon (or MultiMedia Icon)
3.) Audio tab
4.) In 'Sound playback' make sure the 'Default device:' drop-down box
correctly reflects your soundcard.

I am having the same problem as tornadobrain, but when I go to the audio tab
in the sounds and audio devices control panel, everything is grayed out like
there is no sound card. I have a Dell Precision 390 with integrated sound,
and all I want to do is listen to some mp3's with winamp.