Windows 7 RADEON 7.1 Issues

[shon]

I have a Radeon 6970 and using the HDMI output for video and sound.  I have installed the latest Realtek High Definition Audio drivers for Windows 7 64-bit and the latest 11.8 ATI drivers.

I am able to configure the speakers to use 7.1 and I hear the tones in every speaker and they are in the correct position.  When I try and play a 7.1 game like Wolfenstein or any game for that matter I get no sound from my side speakers.  Every other speaker works and the surround is coming from my back speakers.  I can then go and configure my speakers for 5.1 surround and then the sides work correctly so I know that it's not my speakers and the 7.1 works on my PS3.

Any ideas?