i just got a new computer, and the mainboard is a dx400RIX. I'm disappointed with the onboard sound quality...it sounds tinny and distorted. could it be that it is just really bad, or is it a driver or setting that could be the problem? i can't describe the sound, but i can say it sounds worse than any sound if i've used, even on an old pc. the driver used was AC97. tahnks in advance.

Remove the sound drivers, reboot and go to Windows Update. You probably have the wrong drivers installed and WU will figure out what you need. OR Go to the website of your motherboard maker and find out what chipset the sound uses. It should be on the motherboard's spec page. Then download the corresponding drivers and install.

IF you have AC97 drivers, I think some are packaged with a sound manager. Look in your system tray or your control panel to see if you see a blue icon labeled something like "Sound Manager" click on it, and on the first tab, there should be a drop down box to where you can pick the type of sound manipulation(should list a whole bunch of things like stone room, auditorium, and etc...). Choose none, and that should fix your problem. I had the same problem except there was a horrible echo in mine!