I have the same problem, too. I'm betting that it's actually a hardware problem based on having to convert 44.1kHz audio to 48kHz audio so the cheap-ass sound cards can deal with it.

What kind of sound card are you using? Mine is the on-board SoundMAX, or something like that.

Ways to check.... Uh, try a 48kHz-encoded mp3? Get a decent sound card? I haven't gotten to any of these tests yet.