[pbc]

before you start reloading software....

right click the speaker in the lower right corner of your screen
adjust audio properties
on the volume (default) tab, click advanced and check your individual controls


~or~

Check you have your speakers connected to the green jack on the back of the pc

~or~

"todays" pc's require powered speakers, where the win98/95 era machines had audio amps built in to the boards. If you upgraded your pc and are still using your non amplified speakers, the sound will be very very hard to hear