<<xp is NT v5. Not 5.1!! never will be, even after update. haha>>
Sure it is. Go to my computer > up at the top of the window go to help > About Windows. It will say "Microsoft Windows Version 5.1". I know I know You stand corrected Blah blah blah.....
<<liveware is not a driver, its a program plus a collection of drivers.>>
It's a bundle of a bunch of programs plus drivers.
<<I don't think installing liveware 3 is enough to do the trick to get back spk output.>>
Works for me, I now have fully functioning surround sound. Two in the back two in the front. It's great, in max payne you open a door and run past it you can hear it closing behind you. Sweet.
<<The official XP drivers will be out late october. I know some people have probs w. back speaker output.>>
Creative is not known for releasing drivers on time. Even though they always give these broad release dates. And accoring to their tech support they will be releasing drivers ONLY not any liveware like bundles.
<<As for crackling, thats true. the sb shares resourcess w. IDE drivers, ie. HPT370 mass storage controller ata 100. The drivers are not a good mach up, so update your mobo. if still no good, wait until October Xp drivers come out for SB.>>
I've owned two different Motherboards with the Via chipset and they both crackled whether I had a microsoft driver or an official creative driver installed. So waiting for creative to release their drivers is problably pretty pointless if you're waiting because you think they will fix your crackling problems.