download and use the first one or just click on the download link in my thread.
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Value/SE/LS and Sound Blaster Live! 24-bit Vista Beta Driver 01.04.0055 (9.70 MB) 1 Sep 06 Download
This download is a beta driver providing Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ 32-bit Beta 2 support for the audio devices listed below. For more details, read the rest of this web release note.
Use an archive utility to open the file and try to force windows to reinstall the driver for you using the INF file. I'm assuming you're using the beta drivers provided by Creative?
You can't really judge Creative and their soundcard when you really have a soundard they don't support anymore for an OS that only JUST left Beta stages and hasn't even hit gold yet.
Anyway, to force install of drivers, open your Device Manager (Right click on 'Computer' and go 'Manage' -> Device Manager), find the soundcard device (or unknown device if you haven't installed it yet) and right-click on that to go properties. You'll find the driver tab and be able to update the driver. I'm assuming you can follow the wizard from there on. =P
Try these drivers: http://www.ngohq.com/home.php?page=Files&go=cat&dwn_cat_id=20&go=giveme&dwn_id=20
Run the installer in XP compatibility mode.
I have followed the wizard several times, it doesn't work. I have heard complaints on other forums regarding ALL of Creative's sound cards and Vista, They are less then prepared for this, not only that but the Soundblaster Live series has been one of the most popular soundcards out there They should still be supporting it.
You might have more luck if you try to use one of the Vista Audigy drivers and install those, but I'm not 100% sure. The Live! card really isn't what Vista is targetting in terms of advanced sound cards, but yes, I agree - Creative should get their arses into gear and really put some effort into supporting existing customers rather than putting out new devices every 6 months and abandoning older cards. I, myself, have upgraded my drivers on my Audigy 1 to Audigy 4 drivers and utilities by using a hacked CD just because they older utilities and drivers are so bad. www.driverheaven.net might be a good place to ask questions about your issue as some of the users there are good at hacking drivers to make them work on older sound cards. Give it a whirl - go to forms, Audio... forum. I've had some good feedback from that site.