[Bug 30249] Unable to play from multiple sources with USB sound device

Public bug reported:
https://launchpad.net/malone/bugs/30249

Affects: gnomemeeting (Ubuntu)
       Severity: Normal
       Priority: (none set)
         Status: Unconfirmed

Description:
When I start a gnomemeeting session all other sounds are unable to play
and gm gets exclusive access to my USB headphones. At first I thought
that ESD wasn't compatible with USB sound devices but then I noticed
that I can play movies with VLC using the ESD output and hear the ubuntu
enviorment sounds at the same time.

I have a pair of Plantronics DSP-500 headphones. And I'm running Ubuntu
5.10 amd64.