Sound Problems

[Roy S Schestowitz <roy-dot-schestowitz-at-isbe-dot-man-dot-ac-dot-uk@use-address-before-at.com>]

My sound card is installed properly and I can hear system notifications and
CD audio. However, any other program, e.g. MPlayer, XMMS and RealPlayer
fails to open the sound device. Any known solution? Suggestion/s?

Roy