Audio Problem!!

[Mandalou]

Alright, I know this is probably in here over a million times.. but trying to read through the ones I've seen has just confused me more.

While trying to free up space on my computer I was deleting programs I dont use anymore, like games and media players etc. So thinking the Realtek was just the media player, I removed it using add and remove programs. Well now I don't have any sound on my computer. I downloaded Driver Detective I think it was called, but I don't have the thirty dollars to send over the internet to register the program to update everything! And the other two programs I've downloaded have done the exact same thing.

Also.. Not quite related but my windows updates wanted to update to Service pack 3.. But it tells its a good idea to back up my computer which A) i don't know how to do and B) I dont know what it means.. as in do i need like fifty CD's to put all my info on or what?

Anyway.. help with either would be great!!

**Oh I guess I should add, I restarted my comptuer and it said new hardware found and when I clicked on it, it searched for the driver and it was C-Media AC97 Audio Device and an error 10 I guess it was. **