I just spent 4 hours re-installing Skyrim from Steam. I own the freaking disk It shouldn't take 4 hours. Whew got that off my chest. Now on to the problem. After the re-install the game plays just fine, no complaints there. The problem is there is no sound other than the "actors" speaking. No ambient sound no sound when I draw and re-sheath my weapons. No animal sounds, about scared the crap out of me when a Saber Cat suddenly roared at mt back.
Are there settings in either the INI or PREFS files that could cause this.? I have looked at the in game sliders and they all are at or near maximum.
I really need some help here. It just isn't right without the music and other sounds.
Thank You for Your Time and Trouble.

Try regenerating your .ini files. Usually it is a bad value or line that gets picky with the game.