[fungalreason]

I've had similar problems, Bwaha, and I have yet to come up with a solution.

I'm using Vista but with a different sound card. Some programs are loud enough, but others (like playing a DvD are simply too quiet). I've tried messing with the control panel settings, as well as the mixer you get when double clicking on the Volume icon in the notification area. Everything I've seen has been at maximum level though. Looking for an updated sound driver and/or reinstalling it was my next step, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.