Audio Creator and Peavey PV-20 USB

I am using Audio Creator (1.5.2) on a Dell Studio 1737, recording via USB from a Peavey PV-20 USB mixer.  When I start Audio Creator Editor, I immediately get a high pitch whine through in the output from the mixer.  This does not matter if I have my laptop power plugged in or run off the battery.  Does anyone know any solution to this problem?  It's really annoying, especially during prayer time at church, hearing this high pitched whine.
Thank you.