Sorry about the confusion, yes I do have speakers, but they are old stereo speakers connected through an old receiver. This is why I've been using my newly purchased headset to do all the testing. I didn't think it would make a difference because I'm using the same green (front speakers) output from the motherboard. I did test the latest changes on my speakers also. I get the same crackling/popping if I am using my headset, and also if I am using the speakers. My goal is to mainly use my headset once this is fixed.
As for your previous post. I did change the items you discussed, turning off the enhancements, lowering/changing the quality, and unchecking the exclusive control. None of these seemed to have any effect.
I did figure out how to make the other jacks work by changing from stereo to quadraphonic or 5.1. They did produce sound, but the same crackling/popping issues occurred. I now have my headset connected to the green(front speaker/headphone) jack.
