Q: I just bought a multimedia upgrade kit with a CD-ROM drive and a sound card. I followed the hardware installation instructions, but when I turn on my computer to load the driver software, my screen remains blank and I hear five beeps. What gives?
A: This is a good example of why you've got to keep track of your system resources. Everything in your computer uses resources, which give the PC's components the elements they need to run properly. Resources include interrupt request lines (IRQs), I/O port addresses and memory addresses. Each component in your computer system, including your hard and floppy disk drives, the keyboard, the mouse and all your add-on cards--needs its own set of resources. If your newly installed sound card uses a resource that is reserved for another component in your system, it could trigger the problem you describe.
My guess is that your sound card is trying to use a resource that is assigned to one of the cards already in your system. First, remove the sound card from your computer and try restarting the PC. If it boots up without all the beeps--and I suspect it will--you're ready to play detective. Sit down with a pen and paper and the manuals for your sound card and your PC. Check the sound card manual for a list of the resources the card requires. Then look in the PC owner's manual to see if those resources are used by anything already inside the PC.
When you find a conflict, your sound card manual will also tell you how to change the settings. For example, you May find your sound card is set for IRQ 6, but your floppy disk controller already uses that interrupt. Change the sound card setting to another acceptable IRQ listed in the manual--5,11 or 15, for example--that's free in your PC and all should be fine.
Q: I recently purchased a new multimedia PC. The first time I put a CD-Rom in the drive, it went all the way in and I haven't been able to get it out! What should I do?
A: You made a common mistake. Unlike CD players for your stereo, which accept a compact disc by itself, many computer CD-Rom drives require you to put your CD in a caddy before using it. The caddy looks like the jewel box your CD arrived in, except that it has a metal bar on one end and rounded corners on the other.
Pressing the rounded corners pops open the clear panel on top. Just put the CD inside with the printed side facing up, close the plastic top and slide the caddy into the CD-Rom bay with the corners facing you. The caddy should pop out with the CD when you hit the eject button. But, you didn't do that, so you'll have to pry the disk out of the bay using the eraser end of a pencil.
Q: My cursor has a mind of its own. It jumps around the screen and I can't control it. Is something loose inside my mouse?
A: The problem could be a symptom of a loose or defective mouse cable, or it could be that your mouse needs cleaning. First, check to see that the mouse cable is plugged snugly into the keyboard. If it is, and the problem persists, you're going to have to give the little critter a rub-down. You'll need to check the rubber ball on the underside of the mouse to be sure dirt or dust isn't gumming up the works. Under normal circumstances, when you move the mouse on its pad, the ball rolls inside a small socket that translates its motions into electronic signals. These signals flow through the mouse cable to your PC. If dirt gets in the way, the ball will stick to the side of the socket and move only in short spasms, which causes your cursor to jerk around on the screen. To clean the mouse, unplug the cable from the PC, turn the mouse over and unlock the plastic cover that holds the ball in place (a simple twist should do the trick--look for directional arrows to guide you). When the cover is open, tip the mouse over and let the ball fall into your hand.
Roll the ball on adhesive tape to collect any surface dirt. Next, use a cotton swab to wipe away any lint built up inside the socket. For stubborn dust, dip the swab in rubbing alcohol first. Be sure to let all surfaces dry before reassembling the mouse.
