I'm sorry that you are still having sound issues after 2-weeks on Linux. FrenchPress posted a link to an external USB connected sound card. I just wanted to let you know that I recommend those. I have one cause notebooks are notorious for having bad audio chips in the past, that to process 48V of Phantom power from a condensor mic, I knew it was my best option.
When you connect one of those puppies up to your system, it should show up in your Pulse Audio as USB Audio Device, or something to that effect. Good luck!



