Strange problem with sound in karmic

[Anne Günther]

Hi
After installing Karmic I noticed that except for orca I had no sound. 
Since I read it might help I removed pulse. I got sound back for example 
the starting sound after logging in. But I can't reach the sound 
dialogue in the preferences menu. When I click on it, I get the message: 
Waiting for an answer from the sound system. with a cancel button. Well, 
there's no answer.
I also can't control the systeme volume. Any ideas?
Guenni