As Brody recommends, a Windows system restore to an earlier time is the best option to start your troubleshooting.
Can you hear sound if you plug in a headset?
You actually want THX TruStudio to boot up with the "External Speakers" setting. The "Built-in" speakers setting filters incorrectly and gives horrible sound. It should be missing if THX TruStudio was updated.
G74SX-A1 - stock hardware - BIOS 202 - 2nd Monitor VISIO VF551XVT