Hi
Because I'm still running Windows 8 all I had to do was uninstall my audio device and reboot, it installed the default driver for Windows 8 and the problem was solved.
Unfortunately you can't do that with Windows 8.1 because it automatically installs the driver that is the problem.
If you can figure out what audio driver you were using before, I'd search for it online, most manufacturers have a list of legacy drives that you can download.
You might try looking for drivers for your sound card listed for Windows 7, check the date and find one that is a couple of years old.
At least for me the problem is clearly some problem with my computer, Windows 8.1, and the Creative drivers.
Hope this is some help.
Mike