[Quenby]

Don't know what happened - I was trying to listen to various radio stations online, and might have downloaded something...anyway, my sound got screwed up completely - it's now slow, distorted and scratchy when I play a CD, online radio and even during Windows startup. I would really appreciate your help / advice...

 

[rude]

Download a new audio driver ,your is probably corrupt

 

[Quenby]

Where do I download it from?

 

[andyd123]

Try restoring your computer to a previous checkpoint.
Go to START / PROG / ACCESSORIES / SYS RESTORE /

 

[Quenby]

I've already done System restore, that didn't seem to help...

 

[rude]

Frist: You need to find out the make and model of your sound card.You can get this info from the device manager.

Second:Go to the cards manufacturer website and search around for a driver that matches your info.

Third: Download it and install it

 

[Quenby]

Done...no change.

 

[sponsor]

first, uninstall the current soundcard drivers
then reinstall the new drivers, that you downloaded.
bytheway, what is your soundcard type ?

 

[Quenby]

I think it's SoundMax?

 

[dude189]

You could try changing your hardware acceleration.
Control Panel - Sounds and Audio Devices, Audio tab, "Advanced" (under "sound playback") then Performance tab. Try changing the different sliders.
Also, changing your default device might help.
Regardles, drivers should be updated once in awhile. Windowsupdate.com can sometimes detect and find updated drivers.