Start up and exit sounds don’t play…

Have Windows XP Sp2, Dell XPS PC.
Since day one, this pc has not played
the start up or shut down or new mail
sounds….all others work fine. I can
play music, movies etc. no problem.
It’s a Creative Xfi sound card. Have
called Dell, thay don’t have a clue.
Anyone out there had this problem with
there pc?? Open to suggestions.