[flushentitypacket]

I currently own a Sony Vaio VGN-NR110E notebook running Windows Vista. When I first got it, it was playing videos fine. It's been a while since I've used it (I bought it for my mom) so I can't pinpoint the exact time it started this problem. Here's the situation.

1. It plays regular noises that Vista makes.
2. Will not play mp3 or other sound files.
3. Windows Media Player comes up with the error that 'Windows Media Player could not access the file..." but at the same time plays the video behind the error window.
4. Other video players play video only.
5. Sound driver is up to date.
6. Windows updates are up to date.

Help!

[Mak213]

You might need the sound codecs. Have you isntall the Vista codec pack or any other codec packs?

[flushentitypacket]

I've downloaded the Divx and Xvid codecs. Any others I should try?

[Mak213]

Well you should try the KLite codec pack. That should cover them all. See if that works then.

[flushentitypacket]

Problem solved!
Here's the problem...
Apparently sometimes Vista and the new AOL Instant Messenger program don't mix.

Solution:
Control Panel
Sound Devices
Sound Hardware (or something like that)

A popup message should appear, telling you that software is interfering with the normal operation of the hardware. Click OK. You're set!

[Mak213]

Sorry did not realize you were using AIM. Yeah AIM seems to be a bad combo with Vista. Dont know why but i have seen lots of bad things when AIM is installed.

Glad you found it and got it sorted.