Cracking PC Speakers

So, I have gotten speakers about 2 months ago, and I remember these were $100 speakers. Of course though, since source is the only place close to us with electronics, I got it there.

The speakers I have are Altec Lansing speakers with a subwoofer, not sure about the model at this time but if I need to, I will check.

So, after plugging it in, it sounded great - much better than my old speakers because they rarely worked. There was a slight cracking noise in the background, but I didn't notice it because this sound was much better than my old speakers, so I really didn't care at that moment. 

But now, these speakers are cracking and they won't stop... /sigh Does anyone have any solutions? These speakers are powered speakers, the subwoofer goes into an outlet which is a power bar behind my PC. Then the other 2 speakers go into the Subwoofer, meanwhile the only thing going into my PC is the green one from the sub. 

Can someone point out a problem I am having here? The cracking goes really loud when I have average/medium volume, which is what I want to use, but when it goes max, I barely here it, but the sound is still there. 

Does this have to do with my speakers? The sound card in my PC? I just got a new PC with an average sound card (I am guessing) so I am really interested into hearing what you guys say because I want this cracking gone. 

Of course, 2 months later, I cannot return these speakers directly, but I can always get new speakers until the point where I can say they just aren't working with my PC. 

If you guys can help me that would be great, thanks.

Ahh, okay, I am going to try and re-install the drivers now.

Yeah, it stinks that I cannot return it, but if it isn't compatible with my PC, then of course they have to make some deal. Store credit, I hope.

Well, I was thinking of that- I even heard the same thing with mouse cables, but I still heard slight cracking. 

All I know is that there are SOOO many wires behind my PC; it is a complete mess. It also says that there is a built in microphone in this speaker set (There is a little box type device for changing the volume as well as adding another microphone ((Mic out and Headset in)) but they have trouble working.

I am going to move all wires that are not needed there out, thanks :)

Oh also, I forgot to mention - EVEN if I put headphones in the device that came with the speakers, the volume changer thing; if I put my headphones into that, it STILL cracks through the headphones.

Maybe it ISN'T the speakers, but if I go right into the PC it doesn't crack. Maybe it is just something to do with the connection. I am still a noob at all this though :(. 

****, I think it is my sound card.

The box says high definition audio, and I think I just have a standard card. :x 

If only I knew stuff about that - this guy says it will work on any computer. Gah, I hope I can get store credit for this thing to at least get new speakers for this one. I throw out problematic speakers just to make problems worse for myself. =X

How do I do that? I am fiddling with some settings, and this is all confusing.

Ahh. I misunderstood. Well, I can't really spend that much - I most likely have enough for a new sound card, but I am not willing to spend it. 

 How much is this more powerful card you are talking about?

Jeez, that is a lot, but if I do want to get one just for this, I guess I will go as low as I can go.

It must be something around my PC. This is a new computer I got just a few months ago, 1 month before I got new speakers, and it has everything new - Thanks for the help though man :) You've helped a lot

Maybe it ISN'T the speakers, but if I go right into the PC it doesn't crack. M

Sorry for the late reply.

Sure, my other speakers worked for a long time on my old PC, but ever since I got my new PC, it was time for them to go bye bye and I got my new ones. The volume controller must be used because it is the device that plugs the subwoofer to the PC. 

If I hook up headphones to the sound controller, it cracks, but if I hook the headphones directly into the PC (Extra audio slots), it doesn't.

So basically, it is just these speakers? I can't refund them now, but maybe a new pair or store credit will get me somewhere. 

Well, it seems it is cracking up even more now.

No clue what to do except buy new speakers or new sound card to match with these speakers. >.<