Yes - because your MD detects the "copy protected" flag and doesn't ignore it.  I'd be surprised if any soundcards bothered with the flag.

Are you talking about playing the copy protected CD at a higher rate?  If so, it won't make any difference.  What is supplied on a copy protected CD is a low quality rip that varies between 48kpbs and 96kpbs (depending on how much free space is available on the CD for the rip).  Converting that to a higher rate won't do anything.

Michael.