Thanks for the advice but I probably should have mentioned that I am using a Toshiba notebook ( I've had so many blue screens using windows...) so a seperate sound card is not really an option here (not saying it's impossible, but probably needlessly complicated). I tried installing Mandriva before and I don't remember any problem at all, so it's definitely a problem on Backtrack's side.
As for updating the kernel, mine is the Linux-2.6.21.5 and I'm pretty sure it already has the open sound card drivers, but I guess it's worth a shot. I'd prefer to keep it as a last resort solution though.