Inspiron 5200 volume control problem

I've got a set of Creative Inspiron 5200 speakers using sounblaster live 5.1, and the speakers work but there seems to be a problem when i adjust my volume on the volume control switch. When I increase or decrease the volume my volume level fades (pretty much inaudible) and then after 10-15 seconds come back up to where I had adjusted it to. It's fine if I never change the volume, but as you can imagine this is very annoying. Also when I apply pressure to the volume dial (i.e. push in on it) it kind of corrects the problem, but then fades as I release pressure from it. Does nayone have any ideas of what vcould be wrong? I've opened the volume swith to look at the wiring and whatnot, but cna see onthing wrong....