Thanks for hanging in there, Grundberg.
 
You will be SOOOO much happier once you get that last missing piece or an audio interface.
 
Really, I just came back from a grueling day, sat in the chair, launched Sonar, and in less than 2 minutes was jamming guitar leads.  Once it is all set up, it just WORKS.  :)
 
Complete bliss - doesn't address the wrong notes, but I'll take it.  :)
 
Bob Bone
 

I just wanted to reopen this thread as a quick update. Please pardon the potential beating of a dead horse, but trust me -- as a semi-newbie, this is a need-to-know scenario.
 
AUDIO ENGINE
 
I called Cakewalk tech support today, asking why the Audio Engine light doesn't come on automatically until I insert a note/synth track to be played? He confirmed (as does the Cakewalk documentation) that the Engine won't activate until there is data to play. This was why I couldn't hear audio opening a blank template. That's the way Sonar (and MC6) works.
 
I feel much better knowing this, and I'm convinced that I was merely making a fuss over the normal operation of the DAW. It's kind of like fussing over the Roman numeral IIII on a clock -- it's been that way all along, and it's supposed to be. He added that with a USB audio interface, the Engine does activate automatically.
 
I promise I understand this now and the hypothetical horse is dead.
 
AUDIO INTERFACE
 
As far as the audio interface -- I've still been looking, but to this day, I have not had the necessity for one. I'm not denying that I may need one or denouncing those on the Forum who have said so. All the projects I have started over the past year have gone smoothly with my current internal hardware. But you can be sure that, if the need arises, I will go looking for an audio interface (hence some very promising recommendations made my users of the Forum).
 
I'll admit, my projects are quite basic. A finished song is usually 7 to 10 tracks and I don't use a lot of effects or plug-ins. But I know that as I progress, my needs will become more elaborate as well. I shall keep you all posted!
 
SUMMARY
 
Right now, I have the tremendous goal of remastering all eighteen of my MIDI compositions from the 90's (per this software) and also finishing about a dozen more I've started over the past year. Given everything I've learned from all of you -- and the roadblocks I've overcome to get here -- I see a very rewarding experience as I progress through these projects!
 
Thanks, everyone, for your guidance and education!