I have a recording studio (using Sonar X2). Correct drivers is my first thought too. XP handles some audio functions differently than Vista/Win7/Win8 so different drivers are needed.
However, does the regular PC audio also have the problem? There have been many reports of popping/crackling in regular PC audio, that can be traced (but not limited) to bad sound drivers, video drivers, wi-fi connections, etc. Make sure all your motherboard and hardware drivers have been installed with Win 8 drivers and if they are not available Vista/Win 7 drivers. Although Windows will install some drivers, the drivers from the PC Vendor (or motherboard vendor on a custom system) are the preferred drivers.
My recording audio interfaces are a Roland Octa-Capture (primary) and an MAudio Fastrack Ultra 8R, both USB connected and both Win 8 compatible and work OK in Win 8, although Windows 7 is the OS I use with Sonar X2 (and ProTools MP9).