Static noise when recording..please help a noob! :(

I'm trying to record on my laptop, with my setup and specs listed below:
Cakewalk 8 Producer edition
Rode NT2-a condenser mic
USB Dual Preamp
Realtek HD Audio sound card
Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.53 GHz
6 MB of ram
Running Windows 7

As the topic suggests, I'm having trouble with static either during the recording or play back, I'm not really sure..I had to change the settings under Audio to MME 32-bit to work with my USB preamp. The biggest concern that I can think of is the sound card, which is stock. Thing is, I really don't know much about being able to record vocals efficiently, so I need some more input from anyone that would be willing to spare me a little bit of their time to help me out..any type of feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I wanted to record some vocals, so I got my hands on a mic. Then I had to get a preamp. Afterwards, I had to invest in software. When the static's not bad, I'm really satisfied with the sound and  I see great potential in future projects. I've been running around trying to find the best values that I could, knowing nothing about this recording business. I'm just a singer who wants to be able to record vocals efficiently to share with the rest of the world, y'know? It's been one thing after another, and I just don't know where to go next and at this point I'm just dumbfounded. Really just looking for any kind of guidance at this point.

what is the "USB preamp" - we need a manufacturer and model number.

gcolbert - a "usb preamp" is going to be a USB soundcard of some kind - that's why I think we need to know what he has before offering too much advice.  I would not recommend ASIO4ALL for most "usb preamps" as he calls it.  there are a few, however, which will require it, but most will have their own ASIO drivers.

the rest of your advice, however, is spot on.

ok - looks like it IS just a preamp.  I guess the only reason it has a USB port is to provide power.  it's not a soundcard.

therefore I would say that you have a device which really doesn't do you very much good.  Never trust GC sales drones.  he did sell you exactly what you asked for - a preamp.  but actually what you NEED is a soundcard or "sound interface" or "audio interface" whatever you want to call it - they're all the same thing.  you need a USB, PCI, PCIe or Firewire device which acts as a soundcard.

since you are using the ART preamp and still using your realtek onboard soundcard then you have a decent preamp, but you still have the crappy soundcard and its crappy drivers.

NOW I would say that gcolbert's advice about ASIO4ALL is correct.  but I would also recommend that you take the ART back to GC and exchange it for a USB SOUNDCARD, not just a PREAMP.  check my website for USB SOUNDCARD RECOMMENDATIONS.

I see! I think I will follow up on your recommendations. I'm on a bit of a budget (150ish, possibly closer to 200 if pushed) and I'm checking out your site now. These sound cards will serve as both a preamp and sound card, then? Even with my laptop's cruddy Realtek, will this be able to compensate for that?

On your site I'm looking at the ones that are USB and have phantom power. I'm looking at the Lexicon Lambda, Lexicon Omega, Presonus audiobox USB, and so on with those units that have the price range and phantom power I'm looking for. Do you have any recommendations as to what stands out really well?

Great site by the way. Very informative. I'll keep this in my bookmarks and use it for future reference if I ever look to get upgrades.

The Art is a ASIO audio interface, go download and instal the drivers from the web site.