Creative SB 5.1 sound card

[Jomama]

The Line-in jack on my SB512 quit working for me so I ordered a SB 5.1 from Tiger Direct. When it arrived, I removed the 512 from the device manager, turned the comp off and installed the new card. Rebooted, and it detected a new card but (windows 98SE) couldnt identify it. Not from the slot, not from Precopy or the Win CD. So I switched the card to another PCI slot and got the same results.
Then I went to creatives web site and found 2 drivers one for a 5.1 MP3 and a 5.1 gamer. I DL the MP3, extracted it, clicked on the executable and started the install, it came back with,"there is no SB 5.1 card installed on this computer. So I switched PCI slots again and got the same results.
So I DL the other driver, "gamer". Same thing. "there is no SB 5.1 card on this comp.
On the invoice from Tiger was a tech support # so I called that (Long distance toll) they were closed.
I think the card is bad but I dont want to take a day off to install a 35 dollar sound card for crying out loud.
I will call them from work tomorrow to see if they have any suggestions or hopefully to give me a RMA # to return it to Tiger.
On each install I checked the DM and had a ? for unknown device.
At present I have reinstalled the SB 512 and it is working except for the line in connector.
The SB 5.1 came with no CD or manual which is not a big deal as it should be a windows install and I rarely use the SW that comes with a card anyway.
So can anyone think of any other thing that might be wrong other than the card is bad?
Thanks in advance for any help?

[wickedstyle]

Have you tried the SB 5.1 on another computer to be positive that it is broken?

[glc]

I'd RMA the card. All the OEM Soundblasters I've ever bought came with a driver CD.

Newegg has an OEM Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live! Dolby Digital 5.1 SB0220 for $33.00, free shipping - and it comes with an installation CD. Why are you even messing with Tiger Direct?

You have to do more than just remove the old card from device manager - you need to uninstall all Creative devices and software from add/remove programs - and without the full install CD for the new one you won't be able to use all functions of the new card.

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....102-156-07.JPG

[Jomama]

1. yes, tried it in a K6-233 also (W98SE). Sameo-sameo.
2. I think the SB512 came with a CD also but I never needed it and didnt install any of the sw on it. It was like a vloume control and equlizer or some schtuff. Windows has always had the driver for my SB or ESS's.
3. Why Tiger Direct? Indeed! I usually deal with Multiwave or Newegg and dont have any complaints with them but TD has a Sony writer that I wanted at a good price and I thought I might as well spring for a new SB too.
They are off my list. See below

I called tech suppoort today from work. They asked if it came in a blue and white box. I said no, a plain brown wrapper.
"oh, then you have 5.1 release 2" and " I know the Windows nor Web drivers work with it you need an install CD" Let me transfer you" I expain to the next guy I need the release 2 CD and he says OK but the "system is down, call back this PM"
I call Tiger Direct. And basically if you dont want to place an order and dont already have a "defective Number from tech support" or some crap like that...." you can hang on the line til hell frezzes over."
I mean I have already used More of my time than the $30 card cost.
So I called the number tech support gave me again about getting the CD. Maybe 1 minute on the phone til I was connected. I gavee my story and this guy agreed and send me the CD for free + 2. 50 SH. OK
The thing is Tigher should have sent me the CD in the first place. Plus I had to DL the manual to under stand which of the connector in the back went to what. I mean I could guess but I dont like guessing until I know I have a working component. Ya know?
So I am waiting for the CD. Tiger is off my list, there are too many other compentent vendors out there too give them a second chance.
Thanks for the replys. And thanks for the info GLC I have always respected your opinion.
Anybody else have any dealings with TD or I am the only fool.
Jomama