Well, Zebedee, my first guess is a driver problem - if the speakers have been tested and prove to be working properly. I would expect most brand-name computers to operate indefinitely - my ex has the Tandy I bought in 1988, and it still works fine. I may have exaggerated a bit about Packard Bell, but they seem to be one brand that is plagued with quality problems; and I would be hesistant to spend much money to repair a Packard Bell.
Packard Bell moved from Los Angeles here to Sacramento a few years ago, with the help of a large subsidy from the City of Sacramento. They did great marketing, but never seemed to be able to produce a quality product - even after NEC bought the company and pumped a lot of money into it. Now the Packard Bell plant is closed, and I think it's just as well. The company is still in business, I guess; but they don't seem to be marketing in the U.S. any more. Their website is http://www.packardbell.com (click). You may be able to download an updated driver there.
-Joe Offer-