Driver update utilities (Driver Booster, Snappy Driver Installer). They often install generic PCIe X-Fi drivers that do NOT work with the USB SB1090.
Major Windows updates (notably versions 1903 and 2004) frequently broke existing X-Fi drivers, causing "no sound" issues or software detection errors. Detection Errors: Users often encounter the error "Setup is unable to detect a supported product" creative sb1090 driver windows 10
If you plug the SB1090 into a fresh Windows 10 installation, Windows will attempt to install a generic USB audio driver. This results in a device that produces sound, but lacks the "X-Fi" magic—no Crystalizer, no surround sound upmixing, and no EQ. Driver update utilities (Driver Booster