DOS Machine Sound Issues

[Polygon]

So, I'm having an odd sound issue on my old DOS machine. It's an old Packard Bell and this started like a year or so after I bought it back in the mid 90s. It just never bothered me enough to care. Anyhow, the first time you start up the computer and load a game, doesn't matter what game, the sound effects won't work. If you exit and then get back in they will work. Also, they will continue to work if I get out and load any game until the machine is shut off and booted again.

I'm suspecting a hardware issue. Any other ideas?

[MaxWar]

That's a funny issue.
Might be a fault in the Sound card.

I would still try to play with the cards config before trying a new card though.
What sound card is it btw?

[Polygon]

Yeah, that's what I've been thinking. I'm not sure of the exact model but I know it's an old ISA Sound Blaster. Come to think of it, it could be a proprietary board that Packard Bell contracted out as it also has a 14.4k modem on it.

For what relevance it has, here's a video too. Just watch the beginning to see the issue. The rest is just me tooling around in Doom 2.

[MaxWar]

Your Bios battery is dead
I cannot see any line for initializing sound card in your config/autoexec. (although it might be hidden )
Maybe edit both files and see whats in them.

You should learn more about your hardware and how it is supposed to work and compare with current setup.

But first thing, opend that thing up and see what kind of battery is in it.
If its CR20XX battery, just flip in a new one.
If its one of the old barrel type NiCD battery. You will have to operate doctor.

[Polygon]

Haha, fortunately for me it is a CR2032. I've been in the computer numerous times, but it has been a while. I'm going to pick up a new battery tomorrow at the store and put it in. When I do I'm going to get all the information off that card. Last time I was in there I didn't see a line in the Autoexec for it, but I do believe there was one in the Config. Then again, it has been a while. I see what you're on to and sure, perhaps it's just a config issue. It's well worth messing around with that to see and easy enough.

If all else fails I've been thinking about buying some spare components besides.

[MaxWar]

Always good to have spare parts for your old PC. Makes troubleshooting easier and for me its just fun to mess with those things.

Im always on the lookout for spare components in the junk and for cheap in lot.

ISA stuff is getting very rare lately though. ( at least where I live ).
And also they made new laws recently where old electronics instead of being just dumped, must be taken to public recycling centers where they are never to be seen again.
I used to find lots of computers on the side walk. No more

[evildragon]

Have you changed the IRQ, DMA, and IO of the sound card to something else not used by anything else in the system, so that way it rules out a conflict? You never know.

[Polygon]

Have you changed the IRQ, DMA, and IO of the sound card to something else not used by anything else in the system, so that way it rules out a conflict? You never know.

Yep, I think that's the best thing to do next. I picked up a battery today. Hopefully I can find some time tomorrow and crack it open and change that out while getting the sound card info too. Just in case.