Cave and HT;
My system is pretty identical to Cave's, except I have SB16PnP sound card and a P3-500.
I use the sound card game port, using Thrustmaster FLCS, TQS and Elite Rudder Pedals. Joystick polling off, using CTFJ 3.2 as my joystick moderator.
I have the latest sound drivers and video drivers (v770 Ultra) that came with the CD.
I noticed this little "Hiccup" starting about version 40. (I believe that I joined Beta at version 34-35) It does not happen very often and happens sporadically. I have not documented exactly when it happens. It appeard to be what I thought were quick HD access hesitations, from the newer versions.
Does not seem to matter if RW was running, active or not.
As a side note. I tried a X36 Saitek Joystick / Throttle / Rudder combonation recently. Again, attached via the sound card game port.
In game calibration with the Saitek seemed OK. But as Cave describes, the game "Hiccuped" constantly, in both the described noise and screen hesistation. OttoPilot would not stay engaged for more that 15-30 seconds. Occasionally other weird stuff happened like, flaps dropping, views switching magically, dropping my bombs etc. Nothing that mattered to me.
Hope this helps somewhat, I can provide exact system specs if you need them. I will pay attention, as to when exactly, this occurs.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Mino