Fast Audio/Video Playback

Windows sounds have been playing poorly for some time (2-3
weeks). Sounded too fast, pitch was too high to be normal.

Media Player also plays audio and video too quickly.
Playback speed checked and running as 'normal'.

Synchronized against a reliable chronometer, 4 minutes
playback on media player was 14 seconds faster than the
chronometer.

Clock in system tray checked against chronometer; time
accurate.

Audio devices removed, plug and play install, playback
still too fast.

HELP!