must have a sound card to run sounds stupid but i played and then left - now it wont run and i have no soundcard listed as a device. bummed out loud

Huh? What you mean? A soundcard is required for the installation of Civ4? or to play Civ4?

must have a sound card to run sounds stupid but i played and then left - now it wont run and i have no soundcard listed as a device. bummed out loud
Hopefully not an issue. If you are using XP, go to the Device Manager and have it check for new devices - XP hopefully will re-detect and re-install your sound card.

This behavior can happen with new software installs. Usually devices are re-detected with a cold boot, but sometimes you have to force it in Device Manager.

resolved by my computer mechanic he said the game confused windows and windows couldnt find my sound card so listed me as not having one. He magically adjusted it and now i works fine - sorry but it was too technical for me.