Wow, this is a long thread.
I have not read it all, so forgive me for butting in.
I just wanted to point out another method to install.
Use the Device Manager, click on 'Sound, video and game controllers' and right click on your current audio driver. Select properties.
In properties, select Driver and in Driver select 'Update Driver...'
When the Update panel appears, select 'Browse my computer...' and select the folder where your new driver is located.
If you already tried this, I apologize and I'll butt out.
It may also help if you disable the motherboard audio in your BIOS setup, but that isn't essential.