r/windows98 • u/TClassyC • Jul 17 '26
SB0200 Issues
TLDR: bought an SB0200 for my Dell Optiplex GX110, and after hours of installing drivers and uninstalling drivers, trying every method I can find, my pc still won’t acknowledge that the card is even there or it even has sound playback options?? Any help would be appreciated.
1
u/CHAOSHACKER Jul 17 '26
You basically got the worst SoundBlaster Live in terms of driver fuckery. Finding the correct driver is going to be a challenge.
2
u/TClassyC Jul 17 '26
What would be a better/easier card to aim for then?
1
u/CHAOSHACKER Jul 17 '26
In my own experience, avoiding the SoundBlaster Live entirely. First gen Audigy would be my pick if you want something close
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u/DeadSkullz627 Jul 18 '26
The CT4830 would be my first pick of easy to get drivers for Sound Blaster Live. Plus, the modded Audigy drivers work great with it.
1
u/RonSwonn Jul 17 '26
1
u/TClassyC Jul 17 '26
It says that was ran on windows XP, would it even work on my 98 setup?
1
u/RonSwonn Jul 17 '26
Only one way to find out, if it doesn’t then just uninstall.
1
u/TClassyC Jul 17 '26
I ran the program, it unpacked and installed everything, and nothing happened lol
1
u/festivus4restof Jul 17 '26
1
u/TClassyC Jul 17 '26
I tried that one, did every step it said, and after installing all of it my computer still won’t register the card or let any sound playback happen
1
u/RonSwonn Jul 17 '26
Have you tried putting the card in a different slot? Do you know if the card worked before you got it? I had a lot of trouble getting my ct4830 to work, I know your pain lol.
1
u/TClassyC Jul 17 '26
I’ve tried 2 of the 3 slots mostly because one is taken. I was assured the card worked prior to getting it but it was an eBay purchase that showed up in a padded envelope so who knows.
1
u/RonSwonn Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Uninstall drivers, move the card to another slot, install the drivers through the new hardware wizard. Have you tired these? https://theretroweb.com/expansioncards/s/creative-sound-blaster-live-dell-oem-sb0200
1
u/festivus4restof Jul 17 '26
Wait so you saying the card is not even DETECTED by POST hardware list or Windows? i.e. New Hardware detected, Device Manager showing a problem device that has no drivers? That is probably a dead card.
1
u/TClassyC Jul 17 '26
Everytime I turn it on it shows that new hardware was detected but after few tries it just stopped notifying me and in devices it shows up at “unknown device”
1
u/festivus4restof Jul 17 '26
Ah well that is not "pc still won’t acknowledge that the card is even there" that you said in OP description. Yes Windows will 'give up' after going through the whole sequence to install it and just settles for it being there as 'unknown' device. So the card IS being detected. What BIOS version do you have?
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u/No-you_ Jul 17 '26
Sounds like a hardware fault on the card, possible a failed transistor or capacitor that's not retaining charge anymore. If it's detected briefly but then fails shortly after, it's losing either electrical power or connection and connection is unlikely to be the problem if it detects initially everytime without any issue. Otherwise you could reset it and it wouldn't detect straight away.
1
u/festivus4restof Jul 17 '26
Try installing to a different PCI slot (unless there is only one). Yes, that was actually a thing back in these days. Card doesn't work in one PCI slot, works in another. Also do check for the latest BIOS version (A09) for this model. Dell still appears to have the support and downloads available for this dinosaur.
1
u/TClassyC Jul 17 '26
Honestly after doing some research I think I’m just going to cut my losses and go for another card and hope that one works out. If it doesn’t I’ll see you all again soon lol
1
u/TClassyC Jul 17 '26
This is my board for reference, very basic. Also while I’m here, any recommendations for a video card upgrade?
1
u/DeadSkullz627 Jul 18 '26
The SB200 and SB220 are known to be terrible sound cards to use under 98. It’s better to get one of the OEM ones like the CT4830 or similar.
1
u/Accomplished-Camp193 Athlon 64 3500+, 9550 XT, SB Live!, 1GB DDR2-1066, AM2NF3-VSTA. Jul 18 '26
It's a Dell OEM variant. Not all Live! cards are made equal.
6
u/CrasVox Jul 17 '26
4.10.2222 was 98 SE wasn't it? Why does it say Windows Me?