Issues after recording audio track

Hi all,
I’m relatively new to n-track and recently re-did my laptop to “declutter” it and dedicate it to audio work only. Since this redo (re-installed OS/WIN10, audio apps, plug-ins, etc) after a few takes the DAW will no longer audibly play back the track I just recorded even though it’s output meter is visibly active. All the other tracks play. There’s popping and clicking sounds from both the onboard soundcard and my Presonus Studio 24c USB interface when you save or try to close the DAW. I’ve uninstalled the DAW, my plug-ins, my drivers, everything. Yet it still happens after two or three takes. Any idea what may be causing this?