Found three sound cards to try in my house!
First one was some old black unbranded board, obviously faulty as conflicted with any other PCI card in, including my graphics card, so that was obviously a no no.
Second was an Xwave 4000,
very old, (says to install 95/98
drivers!) so that didn't work, and try as I might, couldn't find any Vista drivers on the net.
Third was a Sound Blaster, PC wouldn't even recognise it was plugged in

which is a shame as it's not
that old iirc.
I think I might have to give up, and get a card which is definitely compatible with Windows 7. What card would you recommened which perfect for Windows 7 for someone on a budget!?