The instruction at "0x7c9100c8" referenced memory at "0x000000010". The memory could not be read".
The problem above appearred after I applied a "Server Connection Failure" fix two to 3 weeks ago.
The sound device disappears ("No Audio Device") and from the normal 17 icons in the startup tray only about 3 to 5 now appear. A point of interest is that, Windows Media Player produces sound OK with full volume control!
I am having the exact same problem!!! I can't find anything to help me on this other than sites talking about Windows Update problems...but none of them mention the sound card issue!