Win7 & Issues with Output Audio Config

[DragoonGuy]

I've looked through the FAQ and several pages of threads and been unable to find anything similar to the issue I'm experiencing.

The one nagging issue that I'm still having with Windows 7 relates to Ventrilo and my audio device configurations. When under WindowsXP I was able to log into my game (Final Fantasy XI) normally and fire up my Windows Media Player and that sound would come from the speakers, then I would plug my USB headset (It's a Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000) into a powered USB hub prior to opening Ventrilo, and the Ventrilo sound would come through my headset. In this way I could listen to FFXI sounds and music and still be able to clearly hear Vent conversation through the headset.

What is happening now is that when I plug the headset in, the sound from all applications (including Vent) continues to go to the speakers. I'm able to reroute to the headset through the Windows Audio Control Panel, but that also reroutes everything else as well. So I can choose to either hear everything through the speakers or hear everything through the headset. There is an option in Vent Setup to select Output Device, and even when I choose the headset, it continues outputting to the speakers. It seems like the Windows settings supercede the Ventrilo settings here.

Ideally, I would like to get sound from different apps coming out of the different devices appropriately.

I was wondering if anyone else had had any similar issues or had any advice for me. I've been racking my brain over this one for a few days now and thus far have been unable to find a link anywhere that details a solution for this - which seems like it wouldn't exactly be an uncommon issue.

Much thanks,
DragoonGuy