I don't know of a way to do it without Device Manager, but I think Win98SE installs the FireWire port on its own, even before you install Creative's Audigy drivers. So technically, you could disable the FireWire entry in Device Manager right after a clean install of the OS, which should free up the relevant IRQ on the next reboot.

It's been a while since I messed around with that, so I'm not sure how reliable it would be.

https://sblive-narod-ru.translate.goog/BAD_ME … &_x_tr_pto=wapp

Try reflashing the firmware with Audigy 2 Value/4.
However, the crap 2ZS lacks the P17 circuit, which is responsible for the absence of 44.1 kHz oversampling, unlike the godlike Audigy 2 Value.
The firmware may not be suitable.
There is no utility, only a programmer such as the CH341.
PS. But everyone's brain shuts down when they see a big sound card.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/236423871581?_trksid= … 490.c101224.m-1
Don't agonise over it, buy the first revision " wich has capacitor-free designe" of the SB0400 Audigy 2 Value.
In terms of sound, distortion and capabilities, this card is far superior to the 2ZS.
The only thing is that the connectors are not gold-plated.
And smaller in size, what a disappointment.

My first thought, flashing EEPROM to OEM version probably wouldn't work (this only affects the audio driver).
I didn't find any mention that FireWire also stops working when EEPROM gets corrupted, which means integrated IEEE 1394 controller works independently of the main DSP chip.

I knew there were Audigy 2 ZS (SB0350) OEM versions without FireWire and other stuff, but it seems they're built on different E-MU chips with pre-disabled/removed IEEE 1394 controller.

At least I found two chips on SB0350 OEM boards:
* CA0102-ICT LF
* CA0102-EAT

The retail version is built on CA0102-ICT chip:

Theoretically, integrated Firewire controller should have a separate power supply to prevent interference with the main DSP chip. Is it possible to cut it off on retail version?

I tried to spot the differences between retail and OEM models on hi-res photos, but I couldn't find anything significant to approve my stupid theory (except for missing elements around the Firewire port).

You won't find anything from the photo.
You need to have two cards in front of you and a multimeter.
In addition to the firmware, strap resistors may be responsible for the configuration.
For example, on R44 and 43 near the DSP.
Or 112&122
Compare the photos.