I had the same issue with my G35's. It's caused by the headset using its own builtin soundcard and the software not picking up the change in the default playback device (usb vs your on-board). I've basically switched back to using a better quality pair of stereo headphones and the improved quality actually helps in the positional tracking of sound sources in a game to me better then the 7.1 ever did. Soory I don't know the name off them (not at home) but I got the suggestion from an audiophile website several years ago (so they probably aren't made anymore) and gave it a try and was pleased. I'd suggest you pick up a pair of better sound quality headphones and give them a try. return them if the 7.1's do better for you, I understand everyone's hearing and tastes are not the same