Windows 7: Windows Audio Driver Enhancement

I own a Dell XPS 15 laptop (Windows 7 64 bit) that has a Realtek ALC665 (v.6.0.1.6240, A02) audio driver installed. At the time I was using msiexec.exe /unregister for an msi install error. All of a sudden I noticed that my sound stopped working. After reinstalling the audio driver I figured out that I can get sound if I turn off the window audio driver enhancement (NEVER had a problem before), but this causes a HUGE loss in audio quality. If I don't turn it off I can hear system sound notifications as well as sound from websites such as youtube, but programs such as VLC or ITunes will not produce any sound unless it's turned off. I've tried installing several Realtek drivers with the same results. I've also tried rolling back the driver, reinstalling the original driver, installing an updated one, doing a system scan for errors, and a system restore to the day before (only save point I had). I'm currently running the 6.0.1.6312 A04 driver from Dell, but I have tried the R2.67 and it's the same.
I'm looking for answers that DO NOT involve a full system restore.