I've searched around, and have found a workaround or two, but I'm posting so that it's known to be happening to me with my system configuration.
System Config:
AMD 2400+ @ 2700+
1GB PC3200
Abit NF7-S r2.0
Onboard Sound (nForce2 SoundStorm 5.1) (5.10 drivers October2005)
ATi Radeon 9800 Pro (Catalysts 6.2 February2006)
19" LCD @ 1440x900
The game plays well enough. But I am having a few issues with sound.
+ I get cracking and distortion a few seconds into the game (sometimes 20 seconds, sometimes 200) but it always occurs. The solution I've found is to turn down the hardware acceleration to the 2nd lowest tab.
+ The default sound level for the background music is ignored until I visit the Audio tab in the options and move the slider. I have it set to 3000. But until I physically move it higher or lower than 3000, it outputs at the default (louder) setting.
