Thunderthud,
If the problem persists when you change to MME, this is what I would try next. It is the ultimate in "factory reset" and sometimes when the resets under Options do not work, this approach does.
--Noel
Sorry but no cigar. I have placed an audio file at the link below that I recorded by starting playback by double clicking on Bar 1, Then clicking on Play button, and then repeated. (Recorded by loopback of what I was listening to). The drums are real drums and remain at same level. Clicking on Play cause massive volume change, compared to double clicking on Bar to start playback. Would that be a clue?
Link to Audio File MP3