This is usually the "Creative ALchemy" problem. Open your Documents\NFS Most Wanted\ folder and delete player.config . The game will rebuild it. Then, set the audio in-game to "Stereo" (NOT Surround or 5.1).
If you have the sound files but cannot hear the police scanner or engine noises, use these configuration tweaks: Edit the Registry Path
To get the game working on any modern monitor, you need the community's all-in-one fix, created by the legendary modder . This is the essential tool. nfsmw 05 cutscenes and sound fix download link free
The most effective way to restore missing content is to ensure your game folder contains the full and SOUND directories, often missing in highly compressed "repacks".
Are you currently using any other (like Texmod or graphic enhancers)? This is usually the "Creative ALchemy" problem
Note: The above SHA is an example; always scan the downloaded d3d8.dll with VirusTotal if paranoid. It should be 100% clean.
Did this fix your game? Leave a comment below (or find me on the NFS Modding Discord). Race you to the Rockport Dam. Then, set the audio in-game to "Stereo" (NOT Surround or 5
If your copy of the game was a highly compressed rip or an old CD install, your MOVIES folder might be empty or missing files, causing the game to crash.