AJK47 - Thanks very much for you quick reply! I had just found this driver version at this location: Intel® Download Center (scroll down). I've just installed it, and hey presto: it works!! Jayyy!! No more hisses and pops! I'm VERY chuffed!!
Now, if that doesn't prove it's simply a driver issue, then I don't know what does.
I'm sticking with these drivers now. Is there any true benefit in using the v20 of the drivers anyway? If not, then I won't even give this a second thought and see to it the NIC driver never gets upgraded again.
Thank you!!!