Strange. I’ve not experienced it but could it be your Fraunhoffer encoder out of order?

I’m using XP, so check in your Control Panel’s equivalent for this:- Sound and Audio Devices - Hardware - Audio Codecs and look for the Fraunhoffer MPEG Layer 3 Codec to be present, click on it, click Properties, ensure it is “used” and you can change the priority (move it up in the list).

Also open your Audio Mixer (double-click on your speaker icon in the system tray) and ensure all appropriate devices are enabled.