Windows Media Player cannot play the file because there is a problem with your sound device. There may not be a sound device installed on your computer, it may be in use by another program, or it may not be functioning properly.

Just formatted my pc, has windows xp and then this comes up when I try to play a cd

Sounds like you have a driver problem.

Right click on 'My Computer' and go into device manager. Is there a little yellow exclamation mark on sound and device drivers?

It doesn't give me that option

In sounds and audio devices it says No Audio Device !!

He's formatted it Phil, there ain't no going back.

You've answered by question in a round about way, you haven't installed the audio devices.

Now we need to find out what audio devices are fitted to your machine. What is the exact model of the machine?

its never worked to go off Just formatted it, tried a cd and the bastid thing dont work.
I suppose I now search for a windows xp sound driver and download it

yep.try there
http://www.softwarepatch.com/utilities/audigyxp.html

Packard Bell Ixtreme VOL QUA

Cheers, i'll get on with it see if owt happens

go here http://support.packardbell.com/uk/

Put your serial number in and download all the drivers you want.