Audio problems

My audio no longer works. The problem started out with my new wireless headset (Logitech h600); plugging in the wireless receiver caused the sound icon to have a red circle with an x, giving the error message "No speakers or headphones are plugged in." This is obviously not the case, so I spent the better part of the week trying to fix it.

What I think I know so far:
- The headset is not the problem.
- The USB port I plug it into is not the problem.
- The headset drivers are up to date.
- The integrated sound card (? Whatever a laptop [Asus G73JH] uses) is the underlying issue.

I tried following steps on Microsoft forums to fix/update/whatever my sound card and now sound doesn't work at all. I'm at a loss here and I can't find crap on google.

Anyone even know where I should begin?

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Edit:
Plugging my old headphones works, but only in one USB slot.

My laptop now emits loud static for ~10 seconds from the main speakers if it is on for too long (unsure of time frame.. 5hr+?) without being shut down. It seems to be triggered when opening a web page, especially one with sound. I don't know of a way to stop the static.

Honestly at this point I'm ready to just get a new laptop. So many other things have slowed down/stopped working it's just not worth the effort IMO.