Problem with JA or with sound card???

[crosby1]

ok, here's the issue:

i want to connect my pc to my home audio system so i can listen to mp3's. i have a compaq presario S6500NX pc with an integrated realtek AC97 sound card. the card has one output for speakers (3.5mm plug).

currently, i have a 3.5mm "Y" adapter plugged into the sound card; one port goes to the pc speakers, the other port goes to a 3.5mm/RCA connector and then to the "cd" input on the back of the home audio receiver.

the problem is this: when i play my mp3's through the receiver, the volume is extremely low and i only get sound out of the front right speaker...nothing from the center or left speakers.

the pc speakers work fine and if i connect my ipod through the 3.5mm/RCA connector to the receiver, that works fine as well.

do i need to upgrade the sound card to something else (if so, what?) or are there some settings in JA that will make this work?

win xp home, sp 2
jet audio 6.2.6.8330 plus VX

thanks very much in advance for any help/suggestions with this problem...i'm at the end of my rope!!