XPS 8500 Waves MaxxAudio not working

I have a new XPS 8500 desktop with Windows 8  Pro.

Dell Audio (Waves MaxxAudio) does not work. When I try to turn it on (main tab) it says "supports stereo output only" and won't turn on. 

If I  move to the next tab (configuration) it lets me configure the speakers and I can hear sounds from my old Dell (Altec Lansing) 4 speakers with subwoofer.  It will not let me configure the equalizer.

There is no help file included.

(I didn't order a sound card because (a) Dell was offering OLD creative cards that had terrible problems on Vista/Win 7 and thus probably also on Win 8) and not offering their latest cards designed for Windows 8 and (b) I thought this Waves Max Audio would be sufficient).

I've read elsewhere this is UNFIXABLE AND IS BAIT AND SWITCH ON DELL'S PART.  I hope this is is UNtrue!