Issue 1: No Audio while ROM is playing
BETTER FIX:
dsound audio driver stinks. Please use the xaudio driver:
MAIN MENU -> SETTINGS -> DRIVER
Change the "Audio Driver" to "xaudio" (if you haven't touched it, this is the default setting).
Start a ROM, if you have no sound, exit RA and install the following Microsoft package -
Microsoft DirectX Runtime Package - NOTE in the 1.8.5 package, this is included. Go into the RetroArch-1.8.5 folder and look for the DirectX Installer folder. Run the application in there (need internet access)
Once installed, start RA and load a ROM. Audio problem should be fixed.
IF THE ABOVE STILL DOESN'T FIX THE PROBLEM:
If you are playing a ROM and can't hear anything, try this:
MAIN MENU > SETTINGS > DRIVER
Change the "Audio Driver" to "dsound", restart RetroArch, and try it again. This fixes the issue.