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

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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!!
October 7, 2009 at 7:05 PM
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.
October 22, 2009 at 12:03 AM
Unknown said…
Finally, got it working. Thanks so much!
October 31, 2009 at 11:07 AM
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...
November 10, 2009 at 10:13 AM
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.
January 7, 2010 at 5:43 AM
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
February 6, 2010 at 7:43 PM
Timmy Bromell-Gregor said…
Downloading it now
Hope it works!!
have been googling for 4 days now with out result!
February 15, 2010 at 3:13 AM
Anonymous said…
You are an ANGEL! Thank you!
February 24, 2010 at 9:06 PM
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!
February 28, 2010 at 9:43 PM
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
April 12, 2010 at 4:04 AM
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!
May 12, 2010 at 1:49 PM
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?
January 23, 2011 at 1:40 AM
Anonymous said…
you are a genius!! I have had this problem for 5 years but now I can finally watch films on my computer!
March 3, 2011 at 7:33 AM
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
April 16, 2011 at 8:53 PM
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?
September 18, 2011 at 1:04 AM
Anonymous said…
Hmmmm THankx Brother I donwload ur Driver and install sound media msg was going but sound are not com plz help me
October 8, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Anonymous said…
Thanks a million, it really worked for me too.
November 15, 2011 at 6:56 PM
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!!!
December 4, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Neno said…
It works somehow! Thank you, buddy!You just saved my life! ;)
July 11, 2012 at 5:30 AM
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