NukaTV: it's not an actual rundll error, it just asks if I want to allow that app to make changes on my device, and the Windows Host Process (rundll32) is what I guess it's trying to run.

So here's the deal. Something is NOT playing nice with all of my hardware. I downloaded all the Realtek audio drivers for my Asus Maximum Hero VIII motherboard. Everything installed properly and I restarted. Suddenly, all the games were working!! I was so excited. THEN I remembered something.

I record videos and stream on Twitch and I use a Focusrite USB Audio Device. When I use the Realtek Audio, it does not work with my Focusrite and I have no idea why, and I think I know now why we uninstalled the Realtek. It must be conflicting with something.

This whole situation is super frustrating and all I wanted to do was play some old Fallout 3. But at this point, I guess until I can figure out what's happening with these two things, I won't be able to. :(

So disappointing.

Thanks so much for your suggestions. I really appreciate you sticking around and trying to help me get this to work.

carinth01: Try a different usb for the Focusrite

carinth01: some usb ports are different and work different.
If you check the device manager you should have some faster usb ports, besides just general. 3.0 ports and such. If you've ever gotten a message this device could work faster on another usb port, it means your not using the fastest available.

I had a logitech headset with usb audio and had issues too playing and using it at the same time.
You may just wanna unhook it and use a normal pair for chatting hooked into the onboard while you play. The usb audio is ok, but it will take over as the sound card while in use. you may actually have ingame sound coming through them.

NukaTV: OMG, finally after 8 hours I have finally solved this monstrosity. Focusrite has an updated driver for the interface so I downloaded that and reinstalled the Realtek Audio. Restarted my computer and went to go try and record something. On playback, I heard nothing but saw the audio spikes in OBS like it was being played but I just couldn't hear it in my headphones. Finally, I went to the Control Panel to try and see what else I could do and I noticed something called Realtek HD Audio Manager and it took me to the Asus Audio interface and I saw that it was trying to configure for 7.1 Surround Sound Audio. I changed it back to Stereo and HUZZAH, it works. I can record and I have sound with all the games that were giving me troubles before.

Holy Majoli. Now I am too tired to even play. LOL