[newbie] Sound Mixer

[Mike Williams]

Hi y'all
I have go my SB LIve s/c up and running, but the sound is very low.  I have
tried to open the sound mixer, but get a message that i can't access it and to
change the permission.  This happens even when i log on as root.  But, i went
to the fiolder and changed the permissions, but i sitll can't  access it. 
Anyone have ideas why please?
Thanx
Mike Williams