This is all goblygook to me; my current box has a SB16.... ...Note that I don't run gnome. I have been using icewm since my current box has a 486.
Coming here is a good place to start when having issues getting sound. Some suggestions: try installing alsa-base, alsa-utils, and alsa-oss. Then, as root, run the command "alsaconf". Check the volumes with alsamixer. If this still doesn't find your soundcard, then, as root, edit your /etc/modules file to include the line "snd-sb16", and then restart your computer. Check the volumes with alsamixer.
Perhaps oss has a module that can be used. Try, as root, the command "modprobe sb16" and see. If so, then try to add "sb16" to the /etc/modules file. Restart, and see.
Anyway, I've often had difficulties with sound, but sometimes I have luck with the suggestions above. Good luck.