New dell; couple of problems

I recently bought a Dell (lol); after a couple days use, I get a horrible screeching noise anytime anything makes a sound (music, video, etc). Any way to fix this? I've looked for new drivers for teh card, but I've found nothing. :\

Also, for some strange reason, my cable connection seems to be capped at 242kbps down and 34 up. Any way to remove this stupid cap? I've fiddled with the network card's settings to no avail.

HALP :(

No, I mean lowercase. My connection is fucking AWFUL since getting this new computer; it takes over 2 minutes to download something as small as 1.6 MB; and when downloading something that small, my connection begins lagging to all hell until that download is completed.

I'm thinking of just reformatting and installing XP corporate, I have a CD around here... :/