Computer Sound playback sounds HORRIBLE

[Lukavich]

Ok, I built my computer 2.5 years ago and rebuilt the OS just over a year ago. I have a P4 3.2ghz, 2gb RAM, and a built in sound card on my mother board which is an ASUS P4P800-E Deluxe and a 120gb HDD. I'm also running Win XP Pro.d
I have my OS on a 12gb partition and my programs and data on the other partition. Just recently my sound replay quality has been getting VERY 'glitchy' and it almost sounds like a scratched CD. I did a disk clean up of my C: drive and I have 3gb free space and 8.7 used space on C: drive. I don't think it matters, but I have 75 used and 25 unused on my other partition.

Could it have something to do with memory usage and page files on my computer?

I've also noticed my sound played better on VLC Video LAN player than when on Win Media Player. If I am in the wrong forum, please direct me to the right place.

I also play computer games like HL2 and Counter-Strike:Source. There doesn't seem to be any problem with playing these games. I have only noticed a problem with music playback.

Thanks