Imported AUDIO tracks sound stuttery and broken up?

Hi! I've just srarted using ZS4 for the first time. It seems that audio tracks lifted from CD (wma) when imported the sound is there but its very stuttery? I've converted the same files into wav and all i get is a buzzing noise? 
The ZS4 program is also a bit unstable at times and freezes.
I wonder if my download was a bit faulty?
If not and im missing something apart from a few brain cells do i have to convert files into a more compatable form... my audio converter only does wav?

Any help is much appreciated, Thanks.

 

Sorry, forgot to say my OS is...

Sorry, forgot to say my OS is XP pro (audio tuned),
Alesis io2 sound card.