Strange audio issue when running render queue via script.

The issue I'm having with AE is odd, and I'm hoping someone may be able to shed light on the matter.  I have a very simple composition that, when I render out using the GUI, everything works as expected.  The video renders fine, the audio renders fine, etc.  However, when I invoke a script that runs the .aep file, sets the render queue for the composition in question, and then renders it, only the video comes through, but no audio.  There is nothing in my script prior to the setting up of the render queue that alters any audio layers (i.e. no code shutting off audio, etc.)  Has anybody ever encountered this?  The audio file is a .wav in 44.1KHz, 16bit, stereo, and will try other formats to see if the problem might with the file itself?  Although, I don't see how that would be the case if it is rendering just fine via the GUI.

Any help you can offer for troubleshooting would be great!  Thanks for your help and time!