Dell Dimension 5100/W XP Pro SP 3/SB Audigy sound card (new):

I upgraded RAM to 2 gig from factory-supplied 1gig using a pair of 1gig sticks from 4All Memory online store. While the computer sat idle (in slumber mode) one of the memory sticks apparently failed. The computer would not come back from slumber mode. I tried to re-boot: nothing. After attempting to get the computer to boot in safe mode and not even getting a screen image, I called a geek.

I told the guy about the mem upgrade and he immediately took out one stick and tried a reboot. Nothing. He tried the other stick and the computer booted. After identifying the bad mem stick, he took out the remaining "good" stick and re-installed the 4 previous RAM sticks from Dell with instructions that I should send the faulty stick to the supplier and get it replaced. I now have the replacement mem stick and have installed in the correct paired slots according to Dell instructions. Computer works fine.

Since this event, I've noticed sound problems such as loud 'pops' and static if the volume is set much above medium. I'm hearing buzzing when I move the mouse, especially on sound from IExplorer 8 such as playing news videos. The computer came with SB Live 24-bit card and I took it to Micro Center to have it tested. They could not perform the test and suggested I replace the card with the newer Audigy version, which I could bring back if the problem persisted. I installed the new card and software, but still have the problem. I put the card in another slot on the mother board, but still have the problem. I took out the old drivers and let the computer 'find' the new card and ask for correct driver. Same problem.

My speakers are powered JBL. The volume knob on the speakers used to be set at medium with all further adjustments using the software volume. Now, the speakers need to be adjust higher just to hear properly and, if I adjust the software volume a little too high, I get the loud 'cracks' and 'pops'...especially when sound is coming from a web site.

A MicroCenter sales guy said if it's not the sound card it could be mother board...any ideas? Everything else works great.

blackbmwrt

Have you tried removing the card and using the on board audio?

Jefree: I followed your instructions: removed card, removed Audigy software, rebooted. The onboard plugs were capped by Dell and I removed it, plugged in speakers and all seems fine. Sounds from internet browser are clear with no loud 'pop' or 'snaps'. I'm content to use the onboard sound since I don't play CDs through this thing anyway.

As to the problem: is this a failure of the mother board card slots? Is it related in anyway to the memory stick failure? Just curious.

Thanks for you quick response.

blackbmwrt