Ahh, I stand corrected, I thought his Audigy was a USB device - just checked and you are quite correct, PCMCIA - makes finding an alternative IRQ pretty much impossible - though if he has 2 PCMCIA slots the second MAY be a different IRQ (wouldn't count on it though).

The IRQ is an Interrupt ReQuest line. If a device isn't generating interrupts then the IRQ assigned is irrelevant as it isn't in use by that device. However, depending on the driver, it may or may not chain the IRQ handler stack correctly. This is why I suggested that driver updates for the video might be in order. As would driver updates for the Audigy, but given Creative's history with breaking drivers I'd approach that one with caution.

Mac's suggestion of reverting to the onboard sound for a test is a good idea.

--=-- 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!