i am using the via'97 codec "sound card" on a biostar M7VKD mobo. It worked fine, and it was clear in '98, but in 2000 its a different story. I always use headphones, and there is a loud background noise present, however when i first open a menu or a program, this noise dissappears. When i play mp3's or wav's there are short stops, and clicks. I am thinking this is a driver problem, but im not sure- and if it is where can i get the updated ones for 2000?