SOUND: headphones crackle when plugged in

I have just bought a new laptop within the past few weeks. It is a Dell Vista
blahblah inspiron 1521.
every time i plug anytime of headphone into the speakers, it crackles and
makes terrible noise. it has happened since the very first day i tried to
listen to music with headphones. whether or not i am playing music, if i have
headphones plugged into the laptop to hear anything i get this crackling
ringing squeeking noise.
it is terribly painful and prevents me from listening to anything via
headphones. im sure i sound very redundant, but i just want to make sure that
everyone knows this problem i have with sound only occurs when i plug
headphones in, it doesnt make weird noises and crackle when i listen just via
speakers.

what is the problem from and how do i fix it?!

i just got this laptop and haven't used it at all,
so i couldn't have done anything wrong to have started this problem..


PLEASE HELP.