latency and track distortion

[alexa chittle]

Hello

I am very new to using pro tools so please bare with me. I have pro tools SE version on a normal windows 7 lap top. Ive managed to convert a instrumental onto pro tools but have had lots of problems trying to sing over the track.
1. latency issues.
2. the track becomes distorted at different points in the instrumental
3. trying to sing over it is not working ie when i play it back its deafening (not my singing haha) but a high pitched distortion...
All of which are driving me mad! I think our lap top cannot cope with the protools therefore thinking of getting a new one but if I can avoid that and anyone has a solution please share.

thanks soooo much :)

[albee1952]

Welcome to the DUC. Gonna need a lot more info before anyone can help.
Have a read here http://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=300050
and give a Sandra report(for PC) or system specs and interface. Most times, this kind of issue is due to things like, underpowered system, incorrect/unapproved recording drive, incompatible hardware(like the computer's chipset, graphics, FW controller, insufficient RAM, etc)