hey mixy,
welcome back...
yeah i have read about that problem too and that the solution is a new driver from Sigmatel but unless that happens we all have to live with it. if you want you can try uninstalling existing audio drivers and install the drivers from the URL below. start with the chipset driver then install the audio driver.
http://support.gateway.com/support/d...param=1015480R
anyhow if you will play around with a linux live CD and the crackling sound disappears then it could be the Windows drivers.
btw, when you plug in a headset, do you still hear the crackling sound when watching DVDs or the like?
lastly, attach in your post a screenshot of your ADD/REMOVE programs.