Windows won't boot

[willow]

For some reason my PC will no longer boot in to Windows XP. When I turn the PC on it gets as far as the Options Screen where you choose from Safe Mode, Start Windows normally etc. it then hangs at the end of the progress bar at the bottom of the screen. I've tried all the options.....but nothing.
I guess I need to run some procedures to start eliminating things....motherboard-cpu-hard drive and so on?. I only have basic knowledge of how PC's work, but I suspect it maybe an Operating System issue? I do have another PC that I can use as a means of testing if need be.
Appreciate any help at all.
Thanks.
Willow.

[willow]

I eventually solved this.....it was a RAM problem. I have now been able to reinstall Windows XP. But I am unable to produce any sound at all. I downloaded the drivers from the Motherboard(Ocktek) website, but still unable to get any sound. Sound card is onboard Realtek AC97.
Any suggestions as to how I can eliminate the possibility that the sound card might be damaged>

Thanks.
Willow.

[Paul Komski]

Glad you got the original problem sorted.

Does Device Manager show any problem devices and are you sure nothing is muted or sound turned down?

Run dxdiag if you want to be able to test sound and music?