Repling to your message I would like to say that you did right job in fixing your sound problem because I did too the same. I bought the Logitech two speakers from Walmart only $10.99 and connected with my laptop, I bought USB sound card form Startech.com . They went very well and I didn't have any sound problem. But after going couple of months with this sound card I had black screen problem in my HP. I know this black screen problem is not connected with my USB sound card. It is actually from my motherboard problem. I came to conclusion that HP does not care about its customers and never want to help customerd after the 3/4 warranty period is gone.
So, now I have Dell desktop instead of laptop which is very reliable. I am a online student and every day I do lot of assignements. I need something which is realiable and last long.
Thank yo so much for your advice and wish you have not get any more problem in your HP laptop though I doubt.