Go into the windows device manager in the control panel. Click on "system" in the classic format. Then select "hardware". If you have a software issue, you will see a mark next to one or more of the sound device drivers. It should be uninstalled and then you can try rebooting and let windows find the driver again. Sometimes this helps. It's also possible you disconnected one of the sound wires while installing the hardrive. There's a wire going from the cd (dvd) to the motherboard. Check to see if it's still connected. Also check for any loose connections from the case to the motherboard. I use a flashlight, and don't touch anything unless I notice a problem.