hi, got the same problem as you : Since I installed SuSE 9.0, no sound with quake 3, with the same error message. And I can't get alsa ouput work with xmms (oss works fine). It tells me there is no output device.
What kind of chip you are using for sound ? I use a SiS chipset for sound, the one which is integrated on the motherboard.
I tried different kernel (2.4.22 and 2.4.23rcX) and i updated the alsa drivers, but this did not fix the sound problem with quake 3 and xmms.
I think I will buy a cheap sound blaster live which is better supported.
Damn, I have an onboard sound chip as well. Looking at YAST it tells me its an VT8233 AC97. Thats a shame if thats the case then as I am quite happy with the on board sound. Ill have to try Xmms and see what happens. Still if I cant get it to work I might have to see what a sound blaster live is worth i guess :) Cheers, Glenn