Trying to get 5.1 games out of the digital SPDIF port

Guys,
I just put together a computer that is going to serve primarily as a data repository and secondly an HTPC used mainly for browsing and PC gaming. It's running XP SP3.

It's an older Asus p4p8x that I've had but it runs games pretty well so performancewise it works just fine. It has an onboard ADI AD1985 6-channel codec with configurable analog outputs which can be set up to output 5.1 sound. It also has a s/pdif port which I want to use. SoundMAX 4 XL is the included software package to drive the whole thing. My Pioneer vsx-816 K receiver has the ability to decode multiple digital streams which it does for my ps3 via optical.

I'm able to get 2 channel digital out of the SPDIF port but not 5.1. The receiver shows digital so at least the connection is correct.
The SoundMAX package has a setup screen which allows you to put sound to all five channels but only two actually generate sound.
"Some guy" said that with the p4p8x the only way get 5.1 out of SPDIF is with a CD/DVD/Movie Player, you can't get it from a game. The only way to get game 5.1 is via the analog outputs. This is not a desireable option however since you lose microphone input.
I haven't been able to find any other info about it.

Does anyone have any experience with this or have any experience setting this up? Should I try something like AC3filter or Spdifier, I'm thinking it can't hurt?

Thanks

Double click the audio icon in the lower right hand corner, enter the advanced audio set-up and make sure all are enabled.

Double click the audio icon in the lower right hand corner, enter the advanced audio set-up and make sure all are enabled.
I think they are, I'll check it.

I've been doing a lot of reading on it and it's just the software doesn't allow it right now. Dolby Digital Live would do it but there isn't a package written for the chipset, only for Sound Blasters and another brand.

I'll just hook it up to the analog outputs and get a simple USB microphone for input. My receiver on one channel allows 6 analog inputs for 5.1 sound.

The SPDIF connection was much more elegant.

Thanks

And of course the other option would be to plug in a good sound card. Video and audio have made tremendous strides in the past couple of years relating to pc. The audio cards perform on par with mid-level receivers when it comes to 5-6 or 7.1 surround when related to quality speakers.

And of course the other option would be to plug in a good sound card. Video and audio have made tremendous strides in the past couple of years relating to pc. The audio cards perform on par with mid-level receivers when it comes to 5-6 or 7.1 surround when related to quality speakers.
It's a good option but I don't really want to sink any more cash into it right now.
Thanks