Analog CD playback shouldn't be dependent on soundcard drivers.

Are you still able to rip audio CDs? Have you tried a DOS-based CD player?

Since it is an IDE drive, can you confirm that you have plugged in the Analog CD Audio cable from the optical drive into the sound card?

Yes, the cd-audio cable is definitely connected to the sound card. @Jorpho I don't rip audio CDs, but the sound files show up correctly. I don't have tried a dos based CD player.
I've made a video of it. The dvd drive doesn't make a sound while this happens.

https://youtu.be/TFmqeRzyOBQ

Barbrady wrote on 2020-04-14, 20:49:

I don't rip audio CDs, but the sound files show up correctly.

If you can find a CD ripping program, that will tell you if Windows is able to read the data from the CD at all. (You can also try a disc-imaging program like imgburn or ISO Buster.)

Have you installed any unusual software that might affect your CD drive, like a CDRW packet writer? You can also try running Windows in Safe Mode and see if CD player works in that case.

The old Windows CD player app is not a good one. I would try a different Player and not the built-in one. There is a history of Windows CD player not working proper after an upgrade though the MS Plus Pack for Win98 upgrade seems to fix it in some circumstances. (https://archive.org/details/PLUS98). Another thing you could try is the Media Player upgrade to version 7 or the Media Player Classic "remake" v6.4.9.1 released in 2008. https://www.afterdawn.com/software/audio_vide … or_win98_me.cfm. ANother option is old version of VLC like v2.2: https://www.oldapps.com/VLC_Player.php?system=Windows_98

I see! What kind of Audio CDs are you trying to play? Burned or professional?

I do recommend WinAmp for era-correct audio. I hear that it really whips the llama's ass!

So I just tested another DVD drive and it works without problems. That is annoying because I got two of those TEAC cheap brand new and they are one of the last IDE drives made (mine are from 2009).