mp3 codec crackling

help pls

I reinstalled XP after my old hdd died and i got a new one.
now i do not seem to have the right codecs or codec configuration. no clue what went wrong.

When I play some AVI files that use the original MP3 codec (fraunhofer, version 1.5somthing) the sound crackles sporadically.
First I ignored it but it's pretty annoying...

other AVI files that use other audio ecoders like AC3 etc do not have this problem...(checked it with GraphEdit the old DX tool and GSpot)

I got an old SB live 5.1.
Tried to update the drivers, loaded every fucking driver and pack fromthe SB live page, but it does not work anymore, it bitches about a wrong driver version on my system....
I got the 01.07.2001 - 5.1.2535.0 version.

now i searched for some alternative mp3 decoder like lame but how do i install it? i know how to set priorities of the audio codec, but i am obviously to dumb to find an installer...

or any other reason the sound is crackling?

i am pretty much desperate

sounds like the volume in the decoder is to loud and it's distorting.  (similar to turning the preamp in the winamp EQ up too high, but worse)

try just turning down windows volume, since that'll probably fix it.

nope tried that
Also I do not have the MP3 volume control anymore...
can't add it in the properties of volume control cause it's not there

>>1
Install ffdshow and it will play them all.
http://ffdshow.da.cx/

>>4 I actually have ffdshow installed
but the original SF.net version, the link you provided requires SSE, and i have an old shitty 1.3ghz cpu w/o sse

>>5
You can download "nosse" builds at that site.