codecs - sounds for some games

I am able to play CDs and listen to sounds on my computer. But I am NOT able
to get sounds on some games for my grandchildren and some of the sounds on
investing programs.
I hate Vista, by the way.
I tried to get help from tech support on Investools, but they could not
download the proper CODECS--whatever that is.
Did I say I hate Vista?
It would be nice to talk to a real person who speaks English.
Has anyone else had this problem?