HP dv6000 Sound Problems - Please HELP

So my dv6646 is pretty much on its last limb. It's been sent in to HP twice to get repaired for the gpu problem, though all they did was flash the bios. I did manage to get 2 free years of warranty so that helped, but now im 75 days out and HP wont do sh**! Now to the problem:

The sound from my speakers isn't working and I get no sound from either headphone jacks. Also, the mute button doesn't turn red when I press it, but i can see that it works in the system tray. My device manager does not list the conextant card and scanning for new hardware comes up with nothing. I've tried a bunch of the solutions posted on the internet: tried overheating the computer in a blanket, recovery manager, manually installed conextant driver, opened computer disconnected sound/power ribbon and reconnected. Still though, no change and I'm left not knowing what to do.

Im running windows 7 so flashing the bios isn't an option as there is no 7 bios. Also, before I lost sound the speakers would make a cracking/popping noise when I closed the screen. Any thoughts are helpful, considering buying a new ribbon but software/free options would be helpful.

Can I possibly swap the quickplay ribbon for the sound/power ribbon and still have good functionality on my laptop??

 

From what you have described it sounds like your sound card is faulty or has failed.

I understand you have removed and reinstalled your soundcard and ribbon and if it still isn't showing in device manager then I would suspect a hardware fault.

In my experience I have found Windows7 not as good as billed - could you perhaps try Windows XP on it with the correct drivers just to rule out a software/compatability issue?

 

Same exact problem with my DV6915nr running Vista. CD/DVD drive has premanently disappeared as well. Any ideas?