Soudblaster Audigy and Vista - Crackling Angry!

I have had it with SB and my Soundblaster Audigy. Compatibility with Vista is an issue, as is with my particular NVIDIA based motherboard. Some games have crackling sound, specifically for me Mass Effect, and Unreal Tournament 3. Both of which I would really like to play.

Apparently there is an easy software fix that Creative knows of, and could distribute, but they will not. A homebrew fix was made available by a resourceful user, but her received a cease and desist from Creative and the file is no longer available.

So . . . . I am making a last ditch effort to work this out. I have tried all manner of tweaking, burying dead chickens in the backyard, etc., no luck. Does anyone know of a possible solution?

Or, could someone possibly recommend a new card that is dependable? I don't need uber quality. I run a simple two speaker setup for gaming and the occasional MP3.

 

I never had a problem with my Audigy card. I would try to update drivers and if it doesn't solve it I would try on-board sound.

 

I updated the drivers - no joy. I don't want onboard sound. I might just invest in a new card if I can find one that will fit the bill.