Everything I try, I can't get my Creative Audigy card to work. I get this error:

CTLTRAY
The sound card in this system is not properly installed....and something about reinstalling and restarting.

Except that I've reinstalled the software from the CD multiple times, set the jumper on my motherboard to disable the onboard audio, and even tried another PCI slot. But I still get those dumb messages. I don't think I have a bad card. I REEEALLY don't want to format my disk, but I'm getting the feeling that that is the only way.

Welcome to PC Guide!!!

Disable the onboard sound card from the device manager. You have to open the sound card properties from the device manager and select "disable in this hardware profile". Delete the registry entries of the previous sound card. This should fix it. Also try reinstalling Windows.

Sometimes just uninstalling drivers won't necessarily fix this nagging problem, a few rogue registry entries could be the problem. You will have to completely uninstall the drivers, maybe even in safe mode. Physically take out the Audigy for this procedure so that the "helpful" Windows hardware wizard doesn't try reinstalling it while you fix its problems. After everything is uninstalled, put the Audigy back in and install the drivers.

Also, maybe forget the driver(s) on the CD and install fresh and updated ones from Creative's website. Unless you're already doing this...

saphaline has the idea, physically remove the card, boot into Safe Mode and remove everything listed in Device Manager under Sound Card, and check for a setting in BIOS too. Some have settings in a couple of places, so look around and disable everything in BIOS pertaining to the onboard sound.

Reboot without the card plugged in, then shut down and install it from scratch. Remember to always unplug when going inside the case or shut the power off at the main switch.