Xp upgrade from '98

I can't keep my sound card working. I upgraded to XP from '98 (1st ed) and have on board Realtek AC'97 Audio which I can't keep running. It will work when drivers are install as long as I do not reboot (which the install asks for?!?!) If I install and do not reboot everything is honky dory. As soon as I shut down or reboot, she's a gonner!

I need a clue and don't have one!

(Got the drivers here and at Realtek - all work the same)

Oh yeah, forgot to mention that even though NO SOUND comes from the speakers (until I re-install drivers or do a revert back to drivers) the systems reports that all is fine. Even when testing recording and playback.

IT"S NOT FINE - it's silent (and I'm not...)