Have you tested if the soundcard is bad?
could be some corrupted drivers....
try to update your drivers with the newest available
http://www.soundblaster.com/support/
Soundblasters are good cards.
If you have been happy with it so far....
price range is $29.95 for the basic card
up to $349.99 for the professional musician
Yours is $69.99(at compusa)......with the holidays upon us
you may find a good rebate deal somewhere.
__________________
All ideas in this communication are sole property of the voices in my head. (C) 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
"The Voices" (TM). All rights reserved.