Hello Ursula

No haven't spent any money on a new card but I was looking at what brands and prices were available..

The problem was anything that came through the speakers had crackles + pops but no I didn't try a CDA (I will in a min).

Defrag Mmmm I normally use Diskkeeper Lite and only of recently have been using a 60 day trial of Vopt8, coincidence??

Well I just tried a CD and still the same and the defrag..
When I receive emails I have a custom sound file tell me a new email has just came in, yes it's on my HHD..

Also your idea on the defrag was free to try...

Thanks Mark..