just picked up Ryszard's reply to me on another thread posted several wks ago. that's why i'm 6 month's gettting back to the thread on the Creative soundcard.

i have since reformatted the HD and reinstalled the Creative software and resolved the issue. thanks for the help guys. Regarding the Creative problems with drivers and their support (it sucks), all i can say to your comments regarding same is AMEN ! !

GARY - tks 4 the tip on the M Audio 2496. i'll run a search and check it out as i've been thinking about replacing this 10 yr old Creative card. I know about Audacity and have been using it for some time