Hi, Karen - I've found that sort of problems is often caused by a missing or corrupted sound card driver. I suppose I'd try removing the sound card driver and reinstalling it. Right-click on My Computer and choose "properties." then click on the Device Manager tab and look for the sound card driver, and delete it. Then reboot, and let Windows reinstall the sound card.
Of course, with a five-year-old Packard Bell, there's a good chance that the sound card is dead and that other components are also on the way out. I don't think I'd spend much money on a computer that old.
good luck.
-Joe Offer, Sacramento, California (former home of Packard Bell)-