FEAR refuses to start with sound

[Azagoth]

I've just re-installed FEAR and applied the 1.08 patch but now if I start FEAR as normal I get a black screen and then one of those stupid Microshaft 'report error' boxes. However, If I disable sound via the config utility it starts and works perfectly, it's just unplayable with no sound though. All my drivers are up to date and I have the latest DirectX installed.

At max settings and everything to the right I get this back from the self test thing.

 

[Azagoth]

Haha! Just ran a few tests and it looks like it may be my soundcard that's dying, oh well, it's served me well.

I may as well pop into OcUK and grab one of the OEM Audigy SE 7.1 cards as a quick and cheap replacement. Anyone have one and know if they're good enough to run FEAR's EAX sound?