first, try other speakers. vista software would not control their operation. look in device manager, see if the sound is enabled. is the volume in the computer turned up?
there are instances where the pin plug on the speakers is not compatible with the receptacle on the sound card.
rare , but possible.
why did you call the salesman an idiot??
he did his job, selling the tower.
he has no clue to what your computer skills are.