General Sound Issue

Okay so here's the scene:

When I play anything on my computer music-wise, the sound is so crackly and 'popping' that it makes it really difficult to listen... For instance, when I watch a vid on Youtube, it's extremely bad, I know that Youtube has 'issues' with sound but it's the same no-matter what application I use. I'm scared to death to change any settings now as I'd spent many many sleepless nights trying to solve my 'streaming' issues etc and thankfully I have that sorted now.

I have a youtube player in SL, and when I upload a video, it plays perfectly for me, no distortion etc. Would any of you have any idea why it plays great in SL, yet when I watch it on my computer, it's extremely distorted.. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated... Thanks

My first thought would be your computer's master volume is set to high for your speakers and is making them distort. I'd start by going into your sound card's mixer and dialing the master volume back a little and see if that helps.

I tried that Mila, and it doesn't make any difference... even when I have the volume turned completely down I'm still getting popping and crackling.. I have a Alesis usb mixer connected to the computer and even that doesn't make any difference..... I'm sure it's something that I've done but my 'streaming' is working so I may just leave it alone.. Thanks Mila.