At first I'd control the audio settings. If windows, double click on the speaker icon and look at the recording settings. Another problem maybe the build-in soundcard, I would disable it. I suppose you've turned the audacity recording level all way up? The Gearbox software has also some controller for recording
and volume.

The UX1 is a fully functional soundcard, so you can go to the XP device manager and completely disable the buiild-in soundcard. There is a menu that lets you control the devices, there you can disable them (right mouse click). No need to uninstall, just disable.
See also http://www.pctechguide.com/tutorials/So … Remove.htm for example.

Hi
When you use audacity you need to set Windows sound control recording levels to max, then you should set recording levels in Audacity.
Without using Audacity and only windows sound controls , can you hear the "recorded" instrument at a normal level in PC/Laptop speaker?
I normally check and set the recording/playback levels with windows sound controls before I activate any recording SW.
There is a very good (but complex) "free" recording SW = REAPER.
You can download an unlimited 30 day test version , that does not stop working after 30 , but a "nag" windows pops up during startup and remind you that the test period has expired.
/Kalle