Can I just ask, are you using a 32 bit program on 64 bit OS? thats why you are limited to 4 gig address space. Is there a 64 bit version of the software?
I like your protection of the OS with regard to the driver software. You bought a flagship OS on a flagship PC and it doesn't work as well as a 10 year old PC running win 95

(i.e. sound works fine!!!! )