Audacity will not start

I get this error notice -" error when opening sound device please check recording device settings and project sample rate"
what does this mean and what do I do. I have deleted and re-installed Audacity but get the same message. Can anyone help me please.

Thanks
diatoms

What version of Windows are you running, and what version of Audacity?

See this FAQ: Why do I get “Error while opening sound device”?.

If that does not help, see the pink panel at the top of the page and give us the information requested there. Also tell us exactly what you are trying to record, and the make and model number of the recording equipment you are using.

Gale