Why doesn't FCP3 play audio?

I am a communications guy but only go to FCP once every year or so. Ever so often I have a problem that is somewhat similar to this, get help, solve it, then forget how I did it.

This time is a little different however.

I captured audio and video just fine. Made it into a quicktime file which I then decided to import back into FCP on the timeline. When I play the files on the timeline back in the review windows however there is no audio. Now the Quicktime file I made has audio. The audio meter shows there is audio on the files on the timeline. From the timeline I exported to another quicktime just to see what would happen. That QT also has audio.

Tried my log and capture setting every which way but loose. However, this seems to be some kind of routing problem from FCP to my computer's audio out (computer's audio works however.)

NOW HERE'S THE KICKER (not being rude - just need emphasis)... I found that if I open the log and capture window that makes audio work on the timeline. I don't even have to have anything captured on it. But as soon as I close the log and capture window I lose the audio.

Some kind of setting is toggled the wrong way but for the life of me I can't figure it out. Can anyone help me?

Thanks,
Richard