Dead soundcard?

My soundcard (Creative/SoundblasterPCI512) seems to have "shoot craps!" I've had a few challenges (like having to reboot) to get any sound but most recently - nada! I uninstalled and reinstalled driver (and then updated) but still nothing . . .
Is it "common" for a card to go dead? No new installations - hardware or applications.
Running Win98SE on a Pentium II. Is this a system problem or do I need to purchase a new card?
Thanks in advance.
PS Checked the Hardward forum archive but nothing of help there.
JM

Hi
Couple of long shots here!
You could try removing the soundcard in device manager and removing any related software.
Then open up the case and reseat the card, making sure the card seats snugly in the slot, reconnect speakers (etc), box the box up, and reboot.
Windoze will then find new hardware and prompt you to reinstall the drivers and software.
If you still get nada then I think your first shot may be spot on - its deceased.
Hope this helps
good luck
Gixer

Thanks for your reply!! I'll give it a try!
Any idea why this card would go bottoms up?

Hi
Not really !

Dust and smoke are the two obvious ones - if the card has not been firmly seated in its slot then any sort of movement of the case could be enough to just stop the fingers making the contacts in the slot

Gixer