no sound at all

hi,
 just installed 'ubuntu 8.10' for the first time and i am completely new to this so please go easy on me!

from what i can tell from lscpi my sound card (soundblaster audiology 2) is recognised, but i get no sound, system sounds (login / off etc.) or from music files played through either rythumbox or movie player.

I've tried all the settings in the sound section of preferences with no joy, please help!

thanks in advance