problem with computer music playback

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Dec 17, 2008 | 12:45 AM

ford2go

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 3,476

Likes: 224

From: Frequently frozen MN

problem with computer music playback

I seem to have confirmed that I have a prblem playing music on my PC. I frequently get skips or distortions that would seem to indicate a resource problem. However, often if I play a series of songs, or repeat a song, I don't have the issue. Doesn't seem to matter if I have anything else running.

Anyway, today I tried a couple of my mp3s on my laptop -- seemed to have no problem.

Any thoughts on what might cause this?

Plus side
Dell Dimension 2400 2.5 GHz P4
Sound Blaster audio card
1.5 Gb of ram

Minus side (possible overhead)
2 disk drives
USB dvd player (not in use when I have the issue)
several USB flash drives
USB wireless keyboard/mouse

Happens with media player or itunes

laptop has 1.85 GHz Centrino core duo

Thanks!

Dec 17, 2008 | 01:31 AM

angus

Posting Guru

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 1,236

Likes: 2

From: Vancouver Island

Check your DMA settings for the hard drives and internal CD/DVD drive (if applicable). Sometimes Windoze will disable DMA for the hard drives, and that can make file copying very slow, and often interrupts audio playback too. (That's from Device Manager, IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers, advanced properties of Primary and Secondary IDE controllers.) This one Dell I used persisted in changing the IDE controllers from "DMA if available" to "PIO only", which made for jerky audio playback and slow DVD ripping and burning.

Another thing is to try the Soundblaster card in a different PCI slot.

Dec 17, 2008 | 09:34 AM

donjamer

Moderator

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 164,379

Likes: 82

From: MA

You should also check to see what else is running.. Could be a background program that is stealing the resources.. Check for spyware/ Malware also..

Also try updating the drivers for the sound card..

What version of Media player?? Check out MS knowledge base for media player issues..