media player,mp3s & codecs

[DreamLord34]

How do the codecs differ from mp3 to mp3?
Lately, mp3s that I have that worked before are suddenly missing codecs.
How do codecs suddenly disappear and is there a codec pack that I can download?
I thought media player could download them wehn needed but it never does.

[Jackthemeangiant]

I am pretty sure you don't need a codec for Mp3's. Even very old versions of Media player can play them without any codecs.

[Ken_ver_1_5]

installing codec packs can overwrite some codecs rendering them useless.
with all the packs out there it can be hit or miss.

[wee-haggis]

How do the codecs differ from mp3 to mp3?
Lately, mp3s that I have that worked before are suddenly missing codecs.
How do codecs suddenly disappear and is there a codec pack that I can download?
I thought media player could download them wehn needed but it never does.
There are baiscally two types of MP3.
CBR and VBR.
There are several Audio Codecs found here (http://www.free-codecs.com/Audio_Codecs.htm)
I personally like Fraunhofer and in particular Lame