Well, again I'm not sure there's a card that's packaged with vocal effects exclucively. Most come with a tracking software that allows you to record. Some have a limited array of FX that can be used with music or vox.
The soundcard itself is a device to convert your audio signal from analog to digital, or to route your digital or midi signal to the computer. You can think of it as the pipeline into your computer. It doesn't produce any effects in and of itself.
There are software based effects called plugins that can used to add FX to your tracks. Outboard FX units can also be used.
There's many vocal effects units on the market. A new and relatively inexpensive one is from Digitech.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...6110405095/search/g=home/detail/base_id/57334
Check it out.
You're right, there's a hell of a lot to learn. Magazines and catalogs are great resource material. If you do a search of books, you'll find what many of these more experienced folks endorse.
Paul White has published a series of recording technique paperbacks that give a great introduction to digital, mixing, effects and processors, etc.
The best advice I can give from personal experience is to keep your money in your pockets until you know the equipment you want intimately from your research.
My wife dosen't let me sell stuff I don't use....she keeps it in a box and makes me look at it every couple of months. Big box!