Help with HP 9000 laptop sound

I love my laptop however, the sound card is the weak link. I was surprised that a 17" screen laptop would be so lame for dvd's. This is with nice headphones too.

When I'm traveling, it's nice to use headphones either for music while I work or for a dvd. The output levels are really weak and don't sound so good. If I use the built in speakers, it is even more lame. It's not my hearing. My Sansa Clip sounds 10 times better!

Any suggestions? New sound card? New drivers?
Thanks.