sound problem in F20, F21, F22

[dwoody5654]

Posted here and on alsa mailing list some time ago - many comments but 
none fixed the problem.
This is the link to bug report: 
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1101278

And now I am officially confused.
To recap:
This computer is used for Mythtv.
The computer was build by me in 2007 using a Asus m2a-vm MB and until 
kernel 3.12.x sound has always worked. I always used alsa not pulseaudio.

The F20 initial release, sound worked with 3.11.10-301.fc20.i686+PAE
All future releases of the kernel the sound did not work.
Searched Asus for a bios upgrade to address the problem - no upgrade 
related.

Tried the following live dvd releases (stock live session included 
pulseaudio) to no avail:

    F21 xfce
    F22 xfce
    Centos 7.0
    Linux mint 17.1

Since F20 is EOL and should move to F21 I bought a sound card for the 
computer (Diamond brand from Best Buy).

Booting the 3.11.x kernel.
Sound card was recognized. I set Mythtv to use the new sound card. Sound 
worked.

Booting the 3.19.x kernel
Sound card was recognized.
Sound did not work.

I put a new drive (spare) in the computer.
Install F22 xfce instead of a live session. Sound card was recognized.
Used Rhythmbox to test. No sound. Pulseaudio volume control clearly 
showed sound coming in.

I thought that adding a sound card would have worked around the problem 
and it did not.
I am clearly over looking something but do not know what.

Any ideas on what to do or look for next will be very appreciated,

David