Hi,
Big: No, they are not refurbs. I didn't even get the chance to try my Monster Cable yet! It's so sad. I am using my headphones to listen to music now. At least i can play Counter-Strike with headphones which is better IMHO.
MD: I hate Creative, i think they are an unethical company. And their drivers always sucked. I remember the first day of Voodoo 2.
If i have to buy a sound card, i would get something from Turtle Beach. Never bought something from Creative and never will. Actually my CD-ROM is from Creative and now it's taking dust.