The audio that comes from my Sound Blaster X AE-5 will randomly begin to have a severe static overlay and in general just be severely distorted. This will happen often but sporadically return to normal for short periods of time. The drivers for it are up to date and from the Creative's website. I had this same problem but on a lesser scale with my previous Sound Blaster Z. Doesn't matter whether I'm in a game or watching a video, the issue arises all the same.
I use headphones, which are not the problem as the problem persists regardless of headphones or speakers used.
I use headphones, which are not the problem as the problem persists regardless of headphones or speakers used.