OK a 'SIM' is for your phone service. Not for 'whatsapp' or any other app. The SIM card holds data and gets you access to the carrier's/service provider's network. This, again, has nothing to do with sounds or apps. SIMs also have no effect on sounds what so ever.
Now if your sounds are not working for regular calls, did you go into the phone's "Settings" and then "Sounds" and check the volume settings for calls, notifications, etc., to make sure nothing is turned down or off?