Severe Audio Problems

Hello all. Have a serious audio problem. (This post is also under Software as I am unsure of what cat this is.)

I have a Dell XPS 400, The issue I am having is with my audio. After Turning on my CPU If I start any audio applications IE Windows Media Player, or a Internet Web Radio the will play just fine. After about 2 min or less it seems if I start any new Audio programs or Stop and restart the allready open and running programs Nothing will work, it will all appear as if it is running and playing, but there is obviously no audio coming out.

I have checked under Admin tools (Device Manager) and have checked the Sound card under the device driver it all appears to be running normally, clicking on details shows me the device is working properly.

Also from the controll pannel clicking on Sounds and Audio devices, Each Page shows up Greyed out and I am unable to click on any of the detailed options, only 2 tabs are open Sounds and Hardware. Under the Hardware as I select each device they all state "This device is working properly".

I have downloaded the recent drivers for the SIgamtel Audio, and have installed them as of today. Still same thing, This is killing me, it is odd, some times I can go a week or 2 and everything will be working fine, then I will go weeks with this problem.

PLEASE HELP!!! Thanks.