Sample rate - microphone static

I upgraded to windows 7 some time ago, and got a new microphone with it.

Every time I test or use my microphone, I get static in the background with it. The problem isn't with my microphone (I've tested it on windows xp), and seems to be with windows 7. Note that I only hear the static when replaying the audio from my microphone.

If I change my microphones sample rate (In the windows 7 microphone properties) from '1 Channel, 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality)' to '2 Channel, 16 bit, 48000 Hz (DVD Quality)', it fixes the static. This would all be fine, except when I restart my computer, or the device - it changes it back to CD quality, and brings back the static.

I've installed the latest realtek high def audio drivers to try and fix it, but my computer still seems to be running off the windows 7 high def audio drivers.

I need to know:
a) How to keep the sample rate on DVD.
b) How to force windows 7 to use my realtek drivers, rather then the default windows drivers.

Thanks for any assistance!





Alright, I might know why this is. The limit of my microphone settings is 16bit, but my external microphone mixer says it is 24 bit. Could this be the cause of the static?