I managed to reduce popping to happening only once in a while instead of all the time by removing all non Microsoft DirectShow filters (codec).
I don't think I've ever gotten any DirectShow codecs as I don't know what they are. If I have them by default, can I hear some directions on how to do this?
However, I've fiddled with the sound controls to see if that'll fix it. No resolution yet. And the popping happens no matter what sound comes through.
Running the game on a Inspirion Dell Notebook at the moment. Seems like in Device Manager, it says I have a "ATI High Definition Audio Device." Looked for updates, none.