So eventually, my speakers will make a funny sound like they're being disconnected on and off continuously. I fear it's possible my sound card is overloading?
I have a similar problem with my current speakers.
What I have found, and I learned this from a friend who is computer illiterate...
Sometimes your power cord going to your speakers is either dirty or damaged in some manner and you get the exact same problems.
Try checking or moving the power cord.
If it makes the sounds that you are hearing normally, then you have your culprit.
Otherwise, feel free to try the methods they have suggested above.