
Sleep > Sleep after > Setting (Minutes) = Never Hard disc > Turn off hard disk after > Setting (Minutes) = Never In the window that opens make sure you have the following settings:

Then click Change advanced power settings. On the next page set both Turn off the display and Put the computer to sleep to Never. Set the Power Scheme to High Performance (if this setting is not available, click on Show additional plans first). Go to Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options. If using a Laptop, it could also be worth checking the general power management of your computer: In the device manager (Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System > Device Manager), in the Universal Serial Bus controllers section, right click each USB Root Hub, choose Properties > Power Management and untick the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option. Please ensure you have disabled power saving mode for USB devices: Please try each one and monitor the performance of the interface.

Have you tried another USB port? Some are internally hubbed and can cause issues. Firstly, I'd ensure that Windows 8 is optimised for audio:
