Problem: I had problems with an audio driver (no not on Linux). The sound started with a delay after every gap of silence. This bug cuts off about 1/2 of a second of the attack of the sound. This is a problem when you try to make music in particular.
Workarround: I made a little webpage that plays "Total Silence" or "Almost Silent" sound. This keeps the sound driver busy and prevents the driver from shutting down the sound.