kristen.
i dont want to upset you but as there are so many users
of the delta i have to suspect if you get continued probs..
its possibly user error or configuration of the pc.
you can see a zillion probs on the net with sound device set up.
with lots of different types of sound devices.

the problem with the more advanced sound devices..
is they often require deep undrstanding of both the pc itself n win plus
the user control panel that comes with them that can sometimes be quite complex
as companies add various options. then of course one needs to configure
ones daw software properly. in summary there are lots of factors.
unfortunately the ads for the products often hint..just install and your away to the races.
reality is often different.
let me say even seasoned folks often make mistakes also.
so your not alone in this.
the other problem is..its a competitive market so lots of sound devices
are possibly rushed out the door to payt back R n D development etc.

there IS one thing i want to ask you.
as i note it seems your settings are not "sticking".
in any daw software you use are you ensuring you SAVE THE PREFERENCES.
ie..DRIVER PREFERENCES. cos if your not this might explain why you
have to keep on resetting.

i note on the other forum we are both on...RME is recommended.
this is a very fine device. however even the best device might not work
on some pc configurations. thus if you go this route ensure you can return it
if you get probs with your pc and can get your money back.

all the probs youve had is one reason why i often recommenmd getting
a pc plus sound device from a turnkey pro daw builder like adk.
this is what many touring acts do. you literally turn the darn pc on and it works.
hence the name turnkey. but its expensive.
i'm not really sure you need to go the RME route.
your decision of course, but if your looking for a replacement for the delta
from what ive read of your posts i might suggest you look at a simple sound device approach.
with a non complex user control panel.
firewire has its own issues, and i'm sure is gonna change like everything.
thus i'm worried myself bout spending big buks on a sound device.
one problem being ensuring you have a proper firewire chipset in your pc.
i just wonder if you might end up jumping from the frying pan into the fire as it were.
thus..if you go the firewire route...look in device manager under ieee
THIS IS IMPORTANT. ideally you want a TI fw chipset. but if you have another
fw chipset , be forewarned you might gedt probs.
just note down your fw chipset then ask the manufacturer of the fw device
if its supported. if not you would need to add a fw card with the TI chipset.

before spending lots of money i would really research the gamut of sound devices.
for example if you want a simple install with low latency the inexpensive
new cakewalk ua1g at 99 buks might be a candidate.
but as its audio only , you would need to add a midi device to get midi into and out of your pc.
also you would not be able to record multiple traks at a time.
another device ive seen folks happy with consistently is the echo audiofire.
here..http://www.echoaudio.com/products/FireWire/AudioFire12/index.php
echo also offer other less expensive models with fewer inputs.
but without being there to test with your pc i just dont know how well it might work.
there is also audiofire 4 for example.
http://www.echoaudio.com/Products/FireWire/
for the range of echo products.

also be aware sometimes one can get a fw cable go winky or a connector.
the best advice i can give you is to clearly identify all the config of your pc..
then contact the tech support folks of various sound device manufacturers
to identify if your pc config will work fine with their sound device.
all the best.

retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.