Another Noise Question

[Fender65Mustang]

Hey all,
I don't know what the problem is but...
I have Audacity software and the setup is as follows:
Guitar>Fender Princton 65 Amp> Amp "pre amp out">Computer "mic in" or "Line in" (I've tried both). Computer is a "Systemax pc with integrated sound card with "C-Media, 3d audio drivers"

Now, with Amp on and ready to play there is no hiss or noise of any kind.
Then, I click the record button and record some music.
Then, when I play it back there is no static or bad noise UNTIL the actual notes sound. As soon as it records an actual sound there is the note, AND anything from a hiss to bad static along with it, but ONLY when any actual notes are recorded.
I've tried different volume leves. "mic boost" and no "mic boost" settings (when plugged into "mic in").
Different Amp settings, Recording by mic instead of direct line to computer, different plugs, turning off any lights or other electronic stuff that might interfere with it and nothing seems to get rid of the noise.

Any experts here? I've read a lot of old posts and nothing seems to address my problem. So any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

[b3n]

Computer is a "Systemax pc with integrated sound card with "C-Media, 3d audio drivers"

This could be the problem...

As you've said the noise is only when a note is played and doesn't come through the amp I'd guess the soundcard is the culprit. You'd expect if it was the cable (pre amp out > soundcard) it would be steady or intermittent noise.

Most integrated soundcards are fairly low quality items (i'd know, I have one in my laptop) which are basically included so that the kids can 'enjoy the full rich multimedia experience that (insert broadband provider here) offers blah blah. Seriously you'd be lucky to get any sort of reasonable input sound on anything other than a dedicated soundcard. You shouldn't have to spend too much to get an acceptable card through - it doesn't have to be gold plated or anything, just having it on a seperate card (ie not 'integrated') should make a reasonable improvement.

Failing that you could get your hands on some software to do the job. I use Cool Edit Pro for recording and find that the noise reduction works pretty well (playing around with the settings helps a lot - you don't want to reduce it too much).

b3n

[Fender65Mustang]

Thanks for the help.
If it's the sound card though why doesn't noise come through whenever any sound is played, instead of just my recorded sound? I'm not doubting your word I'm just rying to understand. Also, being an intergrated sound card, how would I dissable it if I were to install a seperate card?
Thanks again