I have an XPS Gen 2 with an Audigy 2 sound card.  The card works fine, as well as the machine itself.  However, when XP loads after entering login information, the startup audio file starts playing fine but then the volume SPIKES at the same point everytime.  It's always at the same point in the file.

 

Now I've noticed this on some 8400's as well.

 

I have 2 of the Gen 2 PC's.  Both with identical configurations and they both exhibit this consistently.

 

It only happens with the creative labs cards.  In the case of the 8400's I've heard this on, using the onboard audio doesn't produce this.

 

I've seen other threads commenting about it but have yet to see an explanation, let alone a solution!

 

Fix Me!  :D