Okay, so THIS is going to confuse the hell out of everyone...but............... . The only way AH3 recognizes my main speakers EVERY TIME I launch now is if I set my system settings to my backup speakers (the side monitor, VX238) and select the game speakers to my Samsung LC34G55T monitor jack.
The problem with this becomes that Windows now plays everything through my side monitor which is no good, but AH3 will work out of my Samsung.
This is the most screwed up situation I've ever encountered. I'm at a loss.