i'm using realtek ac'97 audio drivers with windows vista ultimate. i've tried updating the driver already but i still cannot get surround, only stereo and it sounds real bad since i actually have 5 speakers + a subwoofer. anyone knows how to get surround sound in vista??
5.1 setting must be done on sound card controller. yours must be onboard one. try and go to you mb's manufacturer's webby to see if they have updated drivers for vista.
if not lan lan.. either you wait for them to give you drivers or go buy a set of cheap 5.1 soundcard. (fyi, audigy 2 value is only $20 second hand)
Realtek AC'97 audio is usually (if not always) on-board sound, which means that it's a sound chip integrated into your motherboard, rather than being a separate removeable sound card. They are very common but come in lots of different implementations.
The simplest way to find out is to refer to your motherboard manual or the documentation that came with your PC. If it refers to front and rear speakers, then it at least support 4.0 sound. If it refers to "6 channel" sound, then that usually means 5.1 surround sound.
Alternatively, if you have a sound card utility or application installed for that sound chip (e.g. SoundMAX), then there's often a configuration screen to switch between different modes
but it works on xp leh... i'm using dualboot. i get 5.1 sound on xp.
Find Vista drivers from your manufacturer website.