sound problem

I am having a sound problem (snapping and crackling on audio streams only) that has recently started. I have seen this blamed on SB sound cards, but I have always used them and have never had a problem. I cannot trace this problem to any change I have made, and am quite baffled.
Any ideas of suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thank you.

Maybe your soundcard is about to die.
Diagnostic ideas:
- check if there is any difference between headphones and speakers
- try another computer on your connection
- if you use a wireless connection: try it on a wired connection.

That should tell you if the problem is in the speakers, the card, some interference on the wireless link or your internet connection

Also, problems that pop up out of nowhere like that can sometimes be driver related. Check to ensure you have the latest driver for your card.

Dumping the cache took care of my problem. BUT, I had to drag the folder to the recycle bin. Just doing it in the game was not effective. I assume moving the folder removes more files. Any thoughts?

Nothing to worry about, in fact it's frequently recommended (unofficially) since cache entries can get corrupted and left behind and otherwise all screwed up.