This is a long shot .. but worth a try. Ok.. First of
all.. reboot computer and press F5 or is it alt+F5.. One
of the two.. This will get you to a menu and you will want
to select "Safe Mode".
When the help thing comes up.. Close it out.. goto Start --
settings -- control panel -- system.. Device manager is
where we will check for problems.. Double click computer  
Click reserved resources tab..
Check to see that there are no conflicts .. check DMA,
IRQ, I/O, Memory.. If there are. Right click on the
conflict.. and Delete or remove.. It will give some
bullshit warning... click yes.. remove anyways .. or what
ever that stupid message is..

Next close that window.. you should be in device manager
again.. scroll down until you see Sounds and game
something or other.. click the plus.. If you see ANY
multiple instances of any device... Remove all
Occurances.. and then reboot.
If this does not solve your problem.. I suggest to check
back here for some other responses to this problem..

(This goes also for any ANY device in device manager..
What happens is that windows sometimes install more than
one of the drivers for any given piece of hardware.. ((I
dont have a clue why)) and this causes conflicts.. And by
removing all occurances, upon reboot. windows
automatically recognizes new hardware and will
automatically install the drivers neccesary)  If any
devices you are removing require Driver cd.. please have
them on hand for when you reboot..

I hope this helps you.. ~~Toast~~