HP/Compaq :: Audio Crackling/popping. Can't Find Any Working Solutions

The issue is most noticeable when I'm listening to my music, in any program. It gets unbearable at times. However, when I stream videos or watch DVDs, the issues seems much less prevalent. Actually, there will be times where I really can't notice the issue at all while streaming video or watching DVDs. Then again, sometimes the issue just goes away entirely. But it has always come back. Basically, it's very inconsistent, but it's a problem.

The sound is a very distinct popping noise, which sometimes occurs in sets of around 3-6 right in a row, or it can sometimes be very sporadic. Also, my audio sometimes tends to "skip," usually when click on buttons, open programs, view certain web pages, or move my mouse over certain things. It's unpredictable.

I'm pretty stumped as to what could be causing it. The annoying part is that I had this issue when I first got my laptop several months ago. However, I managed to fix it. I think by disabling the IDT power management settings. But, my hard drive died on me, so I got a replacement from HP. Ever since the replacement, the problem has been back.

Could it be related to the new hard drive?