Have you tried playing an audio file while in the console, logged in as a normal user? You say that you hear sound briefly for part of the x startup, and I would gather that if you can hear audio while in the console, the problem is with X or permission in X. It's strange that you would hear partial sound though, the problem might be during whatever stage of loadup is taking place, when the sound cuts out.
Wish I had more ideas, but I'm a noob too. =)
|