Ibm thinkpad volume control icon is gone

Hello,
i am using ibm thinkpad. yesterday my wireless internet icon was gone. but its back now... but now my volume control is gone. when i go to start>all programs> accessories> entertainment> volume control.. this message appears::: there are no active mixer devices available. To install mixer devices, go to control panel, click printers and other hardware [cant find that], and then click add hardware.
Im starting to think that my computer is completly crashed... HELP!