Windows XP. Ever since I used the microphone to record, I've EXPERIENCED sound quality problems. Tried new speakers, re-installed windows media player, no improvement. Checked all volume settings etc.

Puzzling is the fact that playing music, I can hear the melody, but the vocal part is muffled.  I tested the sound with the Realtek music manager and the sound is OK.

Any suggestions? Reinstall sound CARD driver.ok this sometimes happens when one of the audio lines isn't contacting right...could be something as simple as making sure the speakers plug is all the way in

KurtisThanks for your help.  I will re-install the sound card driver, as speakers are connected correctly.  I have Belarc Advisor, it indicates Realtek Audio, I assume this is the driver, if not, how do I locate it? What EXACTLY does Belarc say about your sound adapter?Actually Belarc doesn't list Realtek as a sound card, it's listed under Multimedia,
Realtek High Def. Audio.  It doesn't list anything under "sound card", that's why I'm not sure where to look for this.DLoad and try Everest Home instead...
Save a report as a text file and Post the Computer Summary portion here.Your driver is here: http://www.realtek.com.tw/Downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=14&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=falseIf that driver don't work try--->ftp://152.104.238.19/pc/audio/WDM_R182.exe

Major Geeks is also always dependable.http://www.majorgeeks.com/_Realtek_High_Definition_Audio_d4902.htmlHere's the lengthy report as requested.  Just an update, I re-installed Windows Media Player, the sound is STILL scratchy, and  the playback SPEED is too fast and it sounds like they're singing inside an echo chamber.

[recovering space - attachment deleted by admin]Did you reinstall driver?Downloading the driver now, I didn't notice your reply.  Will advise.  Thanks again for
all your help.New driver was all I needed.  Thank you so MUCH.  Did I screw things up when I played around with the microphone, as that's when the sound problem started?     I had the same problem. It was a simple fix. I found that the Realtec program had the Karaoke program checked or turned on. Check this and turn it off and every thing should return to normal. Quote

Did I screw things up when I played around with the microphone