Failed to initiate snddrv.dll

[Señor Vergador]

I've been looking everywhere for a fix to this but my Google-fu isn't powerful enough. I've replaced the .dll, I've used ALchemy, I've tried all the compatibility modes, etc. and nothing works. I think I've run into this problem before, too. Any solutions?

[Pavlenty]

I've had the same issue if I launched the game without engaging Razer Synapse first (I use it to produce 3D sound) with dsound files provided by Alchemy (so I get both 3D sound and EAX).
If I do turn on Synapse, everything's fine – go figure.
I suggest you try DSOAL instead then (three files: alsoft.ini, dsoal-aldrv.dll, dsound.dll) thus you get both 3d sound and EAX simultaneously, as suggested here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFIwT7aZojA

Try all possible solutions, you never know anyway.
P.S.
DSOAL files: https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1363-dsoal/
At any rate, one always should check with the PCgamingwiki site first:
https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/F.E.A.R.