Advance AC97 Audio

[TED BEDARD]

These are the I/Q listed in my system info for the Advance AC97 Audio.
10 D-Link DFE-530TX+ PCI Adapter
10 Avance AC97 Audio
10 SiS 7001 PCI to USB Open Host Controller
10 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
10 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
10 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering
Every time I bootup the "start windows"sound skips and when I record with a microphone I get clicks and pops. Do I need to install another sound card or try to find another driver for the Advance AC97 Audio, built into the mother board?

[ski]

Check in Device Manager for any problems(exclamation point, etc.) with the sound adapter.

If none, then start in Safe mode, uninstall all sound software in Add/Remove Programs, remove all listings for the sound adapter in Device Manager, restart normally, let Windows recognize the sound adapter, and reinstall its drivers.

If that does not help, and the computer was built by a major supplier(Dell, Gateway, etc.), then go to their site and look for any patches for the problem.
If there are none, then look for an updated driver at their site.

If it's a custom build, then check the MB manuf's site for updated drivers.

Also, try adjusting the sound adapter's acceleration, and disabling options like 3D stereo, stereo surround, etc., in its software.