Version:            (using KDE 4.2.4)
Compiler:          gcc version 4.3.2 (GCC)  using Mandriva compiled RPM for 2009.1
OS:                Linux
Installed from:    Mandriva RPMs

I have just installed Mandriva 2009.1 on a couple of PCs and the PC speaker / system beep is not working.
When I run:
echo -e "\a"
in a konsole there is no beep.

lsmod shows that the pcspkr module is installed:
pcspkr                  2268  0

The speaker beeps on startup and shutdown.

"xset q" says:
bell percent:  100    bell pitch:  400    bell duration:  50

"xrdb -query" says:
XTerm*audibleBell:      true

kmixer has the PC Speaker volume at 100%

Clicking on the "test" button in:
System Settings -> Notification -> System bell
does produce a beep, and I have "Use system bell instead
of system notification" ticked in the "Notifications"
tab in System settings.

The machine is a Dell Dimension 4100, I have also reproduced the problem on a Dell Precision 380 using a live CD and full install.

Strangely enough: I had the same problem (bell not working)
with xterm, which turned out to be a bug in the version
of xterm installed with Mandriva 2009.1: a later version
fixes the bug. rxvt and gnome-terminal both have a working bell.