Intergrated sound not working... Help me.... I'm new to this

I am new to linux. After installing mandrake 10.1, I noticed there was no sound. when i tried to enable it I got the fallowing error:
"Sound server informational message:
Error while initializing the sound driver:
device /dev/dsp can't be opened (No such file or directory)
The sound server will continue, using the null output device."
What does this mean, and what can I do to get my precious sound working?
I have a dell xps r400 with intergrated sound. I also have the same same sound problem with my emachine t2040 with intergrated sound, olnly that time was mandrake move. P.S: I probably will have no clue what you are talking about when you answer my question: because I just came from windows, so try your best t help me understand. Thank You So Much!

Go into a console, type 'lspci' and paste the results here please. I just recently had to fix a similiar problem.

Also, stupid question, but the on-board sound is enabled in BIOS, yes?

~Pax