Not sure about this, but I think the normal CD player uses the direct cable link for the audio from the CD player to the sound card and as such uses the sound card only for amplification. Windows media player plays the CD (and all audio I think) like a WAV file and thus requires that the sound card and drivers be properly installed. Suggest you look at your sound card set up and driver installation and also check for any resource conflicts on accessories/system tools/system information.