diff --git a/sound/Makefile b/sound/Makefile
index 5f6bef5..9aee54c 100644
--- a/sound/Makefile
+++ b/sound/Makefile
@@ -8,6 +8,9 @@
 obj-$(CONFIG_SND) += core/ i2c/ drivers/ isa/ pci/ ppc/ arm/ synth/ usb/ sparc/ parisc/ pcmcia/ mips/
 obj-$(CONFIG_SND_AOA) += aoa/
 
+# This one must be compilable even if sound is configured out
+obj-$(CONFIG_AC97_BUS) += ac97_bus.o
+
 ifeq ($(CONFIG_SND),y)
   obj-y += last.o
 endif