I searched in ubuntu forums and found these clear instructions for
setting up alsamixer for creative soundblaster card.:-
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/yelp/+question/16166
I had failed to select ALSA in the sound playback list.
IE.(System/Preferences/Sound/Devices).
The problem is
Public bug reported:
Binary package hint: rhythmbox
Mono tracks are all stored on the Windows XP partition of the boot HDD.
These mono tracks are compressed with std quality VBR using Lame 3.90 codec
(q=2)
These tracks play OK with several different players in the Windows Environment.
Distortion
** Attachment added: "Dependencies.txt"
http://launchpadlibrarian.net/16348218/Dependencies.txt
** Attachment added: "ProcMaps.txt"
http://launchpadlibrarian.net/16348219/ProcMaps.txt
** Attachment added: "ProcStatus.txt"
http://launchpadlibrarian.net/16348220/ProcStatus.txt
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Gross