Geoff: It's something very simple. You'll find it.
Try to keep your computer sound settings & the program sound settings, separate in your own mind. Also, sometimes when you change your device settings in programs such as these, you have to switch the program (not the computer) off and back on again for your new defaults to kick in.
Nick P.: I don't think it's a Vista issue but I can certainly sympathise with your concerns.
Efsee: You were the highlight of my trip. Old Hallburn rocks!

Last resort: pm John in Kansas, He knows EVERYTHING!