MP3 Playback makes "crackling" noise. Do I need a codec?

[Xenogear900]

I reformatted my hard drive. So I dont have all the codecs and all that that I had before.
My speakers are fine, my wires are fine, I have the new Winamp.

I've tried multiple Mp3s and multiple Programs with various mp3s (winamp, media player classic, windows media player).

Its not a horrible crackling, but it kinda sounds like the kinda crackling you get with an old cassette....every 1.5 seconds or so you hear a tiny crackling noise.

Xenogear900@yahoo.com
Lemme know what other information you need for this problem.

[mh2360]

Sounds like some sort of copy protection.

I always thought you had everyting you needed, as far as MP3 is concerned, when you do a fresh install. I re-install pretty regularly, and have never needed extra MP3 related codecs. Are you using WMP v11 for the first time?, maybe this has some sort new of DRM protection built in (I wouldn't know, using 2000 sp4).

[Kurt S]

MP3's don't have any DRM, you may need to update your audio drivers.

[Xenogear900]

how do I update my audio drivers?

[Kurt S]

Go the the manufactures website and download the drivers for your card. If you don't know the make and model of your card, try a program called System Info. You can get it here - http://www.gtopala.com/