Try solving one problem at a time the BUZZING
Like KenKelley describes.
In my experience with a similar problem:
From the headphone /speaker out connection - 1 time it was the cable and actually it was more than 1 cable (especially RadioShack stuff).
Another laptop it was the port itself and a cable.
I started using a Behringer UCA222 from my USB port. That stopped that buzzing.
Also there is always a problem with the power source from where you plug into for supply. All buildings are different. Some wired correctly and some over taxed.
If you have nothing is playing and you have the buzzing it could be the supply problem or a power supply from the laptop, external HD, wireless mic, etc. At times it can be very loud when nothing is playing but the music will somewhat drown it out as I have had.
I'd do a check from start to end of checking all cables and connections. If you are using a power strip, try a different one. I've had power supplies hum/buzz when plugged into the same power strip as the laptop. But maybe, like my problem, the buzzing only happened after touching the laptop, pressure touching near out port and than it stopped.
Play music in another program. If the buzz goes away when playing a MP3 in Windows Media player than you can narrow the problem.
With that problem figured out the "out of synch" must be your software setting or the laptop hardware. Have you posted the brand of the video card that you're using? You said it was happening somewhat in 5.08 too?
I have noticed that when I used the out port with my Windows 7 and I plug into it, the laptop ask me if I want to use the Headphone setting. I click yes. That cause a blip in the music and if the cable is causing intermittent connection that program is intermitting "asking" each time the cable tries to connect and that maybe putting yours out of synch.
Good luck
