[quote ]
 He also suggested the sound loop may be a driver board issue which I will look into.

Sound could be a i.c stuck low or failed.  Which sound board do you have the smaller board which has sound only?  Or the larger one with voice capabilities.  I know you said it doesnt have voice, but not sure if it has this larger board with voice capabilities but without the votrax sc-01 fitted or if you have the smaller sound only board.