White noise during all audio playback.

I have an Inspiron N5050 with an Intel Core i3 and I'm running Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. So recently all audio playback is white noise - alert tones, the start up tone, media playback and all videos and music that I stream. But I believe the problem lies with the audio recording software I use because audio playback works fine when I'm using the program to record and listen to my music. The program is Studio One by PreSonus and I run an external MIDI device through it. I'm not sure if this progrm is interfering with my system but it seems likely. Also, sometimes the laptop wont recognize my headphones or external speakers it just continues to play through the built in speakers. If anyone could help I would GREATLY appreciate it!!!