Hey John,
before uninstalling, I'd try it with just the onboard sound active. Just 'cos it is still IRQ sharing isn't necessarily a problem as the test may exonerate it.

BIOS and driver updates will almost certainly be available - the more so given that it is not a new machine.

--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya laugh --=--
You're only paranoid if you're wrong!