Vista - Sound is crackling when listening to music.

When listening to music my speakers start to make a crackling sound then fade
out and not at loud volume but then I have no sound. I tought it was Windows
Media Player so tried Zune Player on computer and same so thought Logitech
speakers and tried another set and same so then I tried on mother board sound
from Intel D865Pearl and samr so pluged back into sound blaster Audigy that I
always use andof course problem was already there after a few seconds so
tried on board sound again and yes still there. Then thought maybe DVDRom so
tried newer DVD burner and same. I know people are having trouble with Vista
but yet to find answers. Everything good on XP. Could problem be processor
Intel 2.4 HT. I replaced heat sink paste with new of same brand but no video
problems or shutting down. I quickly powered down and checked bios and temp
at processor was 96 and 86 surrounding. Does that sound good. What could
problem be.