What is my playback problem?

[artworksmetal]

I think I have a Codec problem. And I don't even really know what that means.
My main music desktop (W7) worked fine as my main music delivery device for several years. It has MMW 4.1.4.1709. Music recently became totally unlistenable. Artifacts, choppy, vocals sound like they are gargling - slowly. . It doesn't matter whether I use MMW, VLC, or Quicktime. Even Pandora through the browser is bad.
If I hook my stereo up to my laptop with MMW, or plug it into my tablet with MMA, everything plays fine. So it's not the stereo.

I uninstalled and reinstalled VLC and MMW.
I tried playing a local file, so it's not my ethernet.
I replaced the integrated sound card with an Audigy.
I messed with the output plugins.
I tried the suggestions in the Knowledge base (turn of leveling, equalizer, etc.).
I did a system restore to about 2 months ago.
I downloaded the MMW codec pack just for laughs.

It actually sounds a little better, but still unbearable. Like it's playing through a Bubble machine

Am I missing something obvious?
Thanks.

[MMFrLife]

It sounds like you tried just about everything, but try this if you haven't:

1.) Power down.

2.) turn off the power switch on your PSU and pull out the plug from the PSU (plug only if you don't have a switch).

3.) Take the audigy back out (just "onboard" audio, no cards).

4.) Put the plug back into the PSU and/or switch PSU on.

5.) Power/boot up.

6.) Go into BIOS (assuming it's a custom built system and you have access to multiple settings). Double check that Audio setting are correct for HD and /or
AC '97. Exit BIOS.

7.) Go to your computer's manufacturer's sight and download and install the latest audio driver (even if it's the same version as already installed; current one might have
gotten corrupted) for your motherboard (may need restart).

8.) listen to the "opening of windows" sounds. Are they messed up sounding?

9.) listen to a song in Windows Media Player, I know, Ugh!

10.) try one in MM.

We can deal with the card scenario after you try this.

[Q&A]

Check your system for the following Windows Update:

KB3004394

It's caused havoc on some win 7 machines.

[artworksmetal]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I tried them all, + a few more that you made me think of. Including disabling and renabling the on-board peripheral in BIOS.
I held my nose and re-enabled WMP.
Even found the drivers for this rusty trusty emachines . I bought it cheap at Costco solely for it's small form factor.

My wife would have told me hours ago to just buy a new one (she's sweet that way - hates to see me waste my time when money can fix the problem). So I think I'm just gonna press buy on a mini-tower that will fit right behind the monitor.

Thanks again!

Anyone need a couple of sound cards?