I have unplugged the speakers and put in the headphones. Problem is still there. The cordless phone base is on the desk also, but it was never a problem before. I moved it anyway, but still no help. I suspect that it is nearer the source, the connection at the USB port. Or some kind of conflict, but I cannot find it. I have turned the volume down and it does not effect the regular sounds. Just an irritating noise in the background. It does stop when the computer is working, changing, pulling up windows, etc... but starts again when the item is loaded.