Needing some help sorting out a vid card issue

[Baghr]

XTC, this is very interesting to hear, cuz of late I have had some issues with an older Creative Soundblaster Live! card. I seem to have some random issues with it making a "clipping" noise when in surround sound mode when playing the sim, where there is not sound except for this sound. Its not distorted, and the closest I can describe it sounding like a "farting" sound when in this mode, (sorry for being so crass), or overloading the signal, making a square wave sound.

I have done all the usual checks, removed and reinstalled, and have the original drivers because its not a new card and there isn't service for it anymore from what I have been able to find. The funny thing is I can start my webbrouser and play music, and no probs with the midi sounds, everytime. When doing a diagnostic, all perameters on the card check fine, just when testing the speakers does the "clipping" start. To add another fold to the mix, I can seem to test fine with left and right speaker; just appears to be problems with the surround sound. I can reset to default settings for the card and randomly and get a good test in surround sound many times without problems, then it resorts to the "clipping" again. Grrr.

Frankly, this one has me baffled. I cannot find the random issue, unless I play the sim, then the sound goes nuts again, but will sometimes run fine for a half hour or so, but only if it start that way, and will never revert to a good sound if started "clipping".... This card has worked well four years straight, but I have done some upgrades lately, and am clueless to what this is. Of course the troubleshooter does not cover this, and a search results in nothing. When checking under the device manager, all implies there are no probs.....and I'd hate to replace the card without knowing what the problem is. My gut tells me its not the card but a conflict somewhere that I am unable to find, based on my (and the troubleshooters guide) lack of knowledge or information.

My biggest issue (frustration?) is the fact its so random, and I cannot get it to come or go based on the areas Ive looked. I am gathering enough courage (and knowledge) re-install my OS soon, but I'll be hosed if I blow it there, without a way to get the system back. If I ever get this figured out, I'll post my findings.

All I want to do is fly, not be a computer tech.......