Guide To Error's C00D11BA, 80040256, and 00040258 In Windows Media Player
Errors 80040256/00040258 (No audio hardware is available, or the hardware is not responding) and C00D11BA (Cannot play the file because there is a problem with your sound device) along with most sound card related problems can be fixed just reinstalling the drivers for the sound card.
Windows Media Player uses DirectSound to interface with the sound card, so sound very well might work in other applications and just not Windows Media Player.
First Steps – Sound Card Problems.
- Reinstall your sound card drivers. You may download the latest version from the maker of your sound card. (If you don’t know how to find and download the latest drivers read section below called Locating Drivers)
- Reinstall DirectX. This may be downloaded from here.
- Turn down Hardware Acceleration. To do this go to your Control Panel | Multimedia | Audio | Advanced Properties or Control Panel | Sound and Multimedia or Sound and Audio Devices | Audio | Sound Playback | Advanced. Move the slider down a bit.
- View Microsoft KB Articles on the subject: 236396 and 140334
- Make sure the correct output device is selected under Tools | Options | Devices | Speakers. Also try selecting a different output device if an additional itme is listed.
Note: It’s a good idea to reboot after most of these changes before you think they are not working.
Locating Drivers
If you need help locating where to get the latest drivers for your sound card try the following. Your Device Manager in Windows should supply the information assuming the sound card has been detected. To access the Device Manager right click on My Computer and select the Device Manager tab. In Windows XP go to the Hardware Tab and select Device Manager.
If you don't know how to access the Device Manager or it doesn't show your card, than the easiest thing to do is download a free utility like Belarc Advisor. Run the installer then it will open a webpage for you. Under Multimedia it will tell you the sound card or Audio Controller you have in your PC. You may now go to that company’s website and download the drivers and reinstall them.
More Sound Issues Help: Sound Issues In Windows Media Player
Windows Media Advice
Why do I get a "Cannot play the file"(C00D11BA) message?
Why doesn't my sound work?
How do I fix sound device problems?
Windows Media Player FAQ
Why do I hear audio distortion while playing an MP3 file?