To solve the problem of 2.0 (VLC among others), you must configure the sound card. I had the problem since I have windows 7, the motherboard audio chipset was configured with the Windows interface and got nowhere. I just invested in a DG Sonar 5.1 card and the problem was resolved because the card is customizable. I now have my movies in 5.1 surround!
If you want a good kit 5.1, go there !!!