Strange audio problem

[kprtop]

I have a pavilion A230N which requires powered speakers. I hooked up a pair and Labtech spin-65 speakers. The sound is louder from the right channel as if the balance was 3/4 to the right. Using the good ol' BONK sound from clicking the volume slider for a test sound, with the balance all the way to the left, the left channel sounds normal. When I slide the balance all the way to the right, the right channel sounds very weak.

It is not the speakers, I tried them on another system. I even tried different speakers. I updated the drivers and that didn't work.

I finally decieded to disable the onboard audio and install a sound card (SB 16). This actually made the problem much worse. Again clicking the volume slider for a test tone, sound is louder from the right side when balanced, slide it to the left and it sounds good, slide it to the right and the sounds is horrible. Sounds as if the speaker is blown, very weak and no bass.

I tried playing a cd and same thing, more sound from the right side. Now this is weird, slide the balance to the right and it sounds half way normal but slide the balance to the left and the left channel sounds like a surround speaker in a way, kinda weak and no bass.

I am stumped and I have searched the net for days and cannot find any info for this problem. Im assuming it's a problem with the motherboard or wiring or something to that effect.
If someone has an idea or suggestion I would b very greatfull.

System specs- http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/documen...Name=c00026535

Thanks