Aligning rear wheel (geared)

no its defiantly not bent. there is play in the dropouts and once its in the right place it works perfectly.

i could adjust the derailleur to fit the wheel, but wouldn't i then just setting to a wheel that isn't aligned correctly? thats not really solving the problem.

i would show you a picture but there isn't really anything to see. nothing is damaged and the only way you can tell its wrong is the noise and the slow/jumpy gear changes.

Sounds like the derailleur needs tuning, im no mechanic though! You know how to do it? It's not hard, park tool have a good online database of mechanical skills.