Hi Perry, if the sound is still ow even after you changed your sound card it must be you setting in windows or maybe the volume knob on your speakers.
Some things to check.
1. Make sure your pluged in to the right hole on your sound card.
2. There should be a little speaker icon on the bottom right of you screen. Double click that and make sure the "play control" and "wave" are turned up. The little knob looking thing should be at the top.
3. Check you sound knob on your speakers and make sure it is turned up.
Some times the most obvious things are the easiest to overlook.