need help re:dvd playback~audio popping

i have a computer w/ the following: windows xp, pentium 4, cpu 2.26gh ... when i play a dvd, i get a cracking/popping sound but the video is fine... i made a major discovery (i think)... the popping sound occurs when the light on the tower flashes (denoting that it is reading the disc?) ... i've not always had this problem since i bought the computer in 2002, only starting about a year ago, but not been interested in watching dvds until i discovered 24 yesterday (can't wait to see what jack does to the guys who kidnapped his daughter and her friend)

1. Disconnect bulb/LED. 2. Move speakers farther away from bulb/LED 3. Try different speakers (with proper shielding) 4. Try headphones. If noise continues, install separate PCI soundcard (SoundBlaster or similar) since your unit is likely using integrated (on motherboard) sound table and may be defective/susceptible to EMI.

this seems reasonable, but my tower sits on the floor, 3 or 4 feet away from the speakers..

InvisibleChurch, there are several things that might help.

First, do you have all the updates from Microsoft Update, your computer manufacturer, and your DVD software manufacturer?

Second, are you running any programs like an anti-virus or anti-spyware program? These can produce overhead on your system if it is taxed too much. However, be sure you are safe from spyware and viruses, as these can cause tremendous overhead if they are using your computer to spam the internet. So, do a scan and then perhaps unload them from being resident to reduce overhead.

Third, do you have enough memory on your system? Low memory can cause this effect all the time, but it is noticed when doing something that requires real-time processing.

Forth, go into Start -> Control Panel -> System -> Hardware -> Device Manager -> DVD/CD-ROM drives -> {the name of the DVD drive you have} (double-click on it) -> Properties

There may be something here that you can enable to assure a full digital experience. Enable it if there is something.

Once there, see if there is an option for selecting digital

...but my tower sits on the floor, 3 or 4 feet away from the speakers..

No matter where your speakers are, the LED/bulb is always at the same proximity to your motherboard or sound card.

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