Slightly OT guys, but not straying too far --I have a problem that I could use help on.

I built a system a year back for family, centered around an Intel D975XBX board. I built it with stability, sturdiness, and solid cooling in mind, since it was going to be used in a tropical climate.

Fast forward --they had to send the system back to me for repairs. The video card (ATI AIW 2006) failed; I have temporarily replace that, and the system now boots fine. However, I have another problem --Windows XP MCE cannot find the onboard Sigmatel audio. I have updated the BIOS, gone back to an earlier revision, and then updated again. I have made sure the audio is enabled in BIOS. I've checked the registry --there isn't even an old entry in HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Enum\PCI, nor any "splatted" devices in Device Manager. Attempting to install the latest Intel drivers errors out in the middle with a "device not found" message.

I'm thinking the board is defective, but wanted to know if anyone else had this problem and fixed it before I start the RMA process with Intel. I don't have long to get it back to them (I have to send the system with visiting family or it can cost $300 just to ship it) --does anyone know what Intel's turnaround-time usually is for RMA? I'd rather replace the board than get a sound card, since the front-panel audio connector works well with the Antec P180 case it's installed in.

Thanks for any help you guys can provide.