How can I tell if my sound card is bad?

EAB1

Honorable
Nov 13, 2013
2
0
10,510
I reinstalled OS XP and all the device drivers on a older desktop, but system doesn't see my speakers. I get no sound and I have reinstalled updated drivers with a driver program. When I go to the Codec and check the properties it says no multimedia device is installed. I downloaded and installed Realtek AC97 driver to no avail. I know the speakers are working as I checked them on my laptop. When I used a driver download program it said to plug them in. They are plugged in. I even wiggled the wires in case something was loose. Any suggestions.