24-bit sound card only operating at 16-bits?

[gratefulfred]

I recently installed a Soundblaster Audigy LS 24-bit pci sound card in my Dell Dimension 4600 and I noticed when I ran PC Wizard 2008 that it is apparently operating at 16-bits. I have run Norton's CheckIt Diagnostics, as well as Creative's own diagnostics utility and Windows' DirectX diagnostics. They all say the same thing: my "24-bit" sound card is operating at 16-bits. I would like to utilize the full capability of this card, but don't know to resolve this issue.

I'm running XP Pro w/service pack 3 and the onboard sound is disabled in BIOS without it's drivers installed.

Thanks for any help:)

[Tin]

Most of the software on your computer runs at 16-bit audio. Some games and some movies will be in 24-bit, but not all. It all depends on what bit depth the source material is. Upconverting it wont do you any good because you cant add what wasnt there in the first place.