Note: I already saw the Realtek Audio driver causing audio and video delay thread and it's both closed and didn't fix my problem.

I have an Inspiron 5502 I bought new in 2021 with a frustrating audio problem. As of last night, anytime I go to adjust the volume in the taskbar, open a music file, watch a video on YouTube, etc there is a 5 to 10 second delay/freeze before anything plays. From what I've read, it's a problem with the driver; this laptop uses Realtek. Interestingly, the issue isn't present using Bluetooth speakers.

I have tried the following:

1. Uninstalled most recent Windows updates.
2. Uninstalled MaxxAudioPro app.
3. Attempted to rollback driver. Option unavailable.
4. Uninstalled/reinstalled driver.
5. Tried to install Microsoft's "High Definition Audio Driver" instead. Errors with "device can't be started".
6. Updated BIOS.
7. Ran audio troubleshooter. Can't identify problem.
8. Disabled "Audio Enhancements" and "Hardware Acceleration" in sound settings.
9. Ran Dell SupportAssist. Installed newest audio driver. No change.

Anyone else having this problem, or know a solution?