alert sounds are not working, how to get them off of mute and system pref. problem

[MacbooksRule]

Hi everybody

today i was on my macbook and realized that all of my alert sounds were not working. for example, if i got a new message in ichat or new email there would be no sound. Also, when i take a screenshot there is no sound, but there usually is one. My speakers are working because i am able to play music in itunes. Also, i system preferences, the search box does not show any results like it always does. I would appreciate any help.

Thank you

 

[MacbooksRule]

i got the alert sound to work but still have the system preferences problem. anyone?

 

[bsheridan]

Does your preference pane in System Preferences | Sound | Sound Effects look like the pic;