Problem regarding VOIP and graphics

[Stealthgato]

I started playing PR since the .95 patch was released. So far I found it to be an amazing game, however there's 2 things hindering my experience:

1- I cannot hear VOIP. I go to the audio menu, enable VOIP, turn the volumes up, apply and go back to main menu. I return to the audio menu and VOIP is off and all the volumes back to 0. I do not have a mic plugged in but this does not seem to be the problem since I've talked to other people in-game that do not have mics plugged in but have VOIP enabled and can hear others. This really ruins teamwork for me as I cannot hear my squad talking to me.

2- Regarding the graphics problem, I constantly see flickering round black shadows on the ground, similar to explosion effects, I can live with it but it gets real annoying that those seizuring shadows are always there flickering wherever I look.

Really need help in fixing these, sorry if they're in wrong section, not sure where I would post.

Specs:
Windows Vista x64
Intel Quad Core 2.7 Ghz
8 GB RAM
ATI HD4870x2 2GB (<- I think the BF2 engine doesn't like ATI cards)

[LithiumFox]

2- Do you use an ATI card and did you turn off Catalyst A.I.? If you did, this will cause flickering. =/
If you use an ATI card, set your Catalyst A.I. to Standard.

[Mr Smiles]

Go to audiocontrol pannel->advanced->everything basic or medium.
Worked for me and others.

[BloodBane611]

Moved thread to correct section

[Stealthgato]

Thanks Lithium, turned on Catalyst AI and flickering is gone. Need to deal with no VOIP now :/

[SnipingCoward]

Try with resetting to defaults and then going from there.
Caution, might/will probably reset your custom key binds.