I have a windows XP SP 2. I only get sound out of one speaker. could my sound card be bad? or is it the speakers?

Check for loose connections. If connections are fine, I blame your speakers.

Plug in a pair of headphones and see if they have the same problem.

Sounds obvious but have you checked the sound menu to see if everythings not slid to the left?

I plugged the head phones into the jack on the comp. and it still isnt working

Possible dodgy solder.

My sound port keeps flicking between coming out of my speakers and out of the laptop speakers because of some worn down soldering.

Also try downloading the latest patch updates for your sound card.

I bought a new soundblaster audio card, works fine now