Are there anywhere instructions explaining how to troubleshoot sound problems on the Ubuntu desktops?

Question

I would like to have a general list of steps I can do to troubleshoot problems with sound.

Answer 1

Yes, there are: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/DebuggingSoundProblems

The first step on a current (10.04) distribution should be to run:

ubuntu-bug audio

in a terminal or after pressing Alt+F2.