Sounds like the sound card is slowly failing, and as it does, the device
driver is trying to compensate. I suspect that the output amplifier at
minimum has hit the great beyond. Since this is a notebook audio system,
there is no replacing it with an expansion card like on a desktop. One
replacement option would be a USB sound card, and even that falls a bit
short on portability. Best of luck with this one.

Kenneth Whyman
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"Chance favors the prepared mind."

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