Make sure your MP3's are recorded using the proper bit rate and the disc is finalized. Here is what the owner's manual says:
MP3/WMA FILES
MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer 3) and WMA
(Windows Media Audio) are audio compression
standards.
The MP3/WMA player can play MP3
and WMA files on CD−ROM, CD−R and
CD−RW discs.
The unit can play disc recordings compatible
with ISO 9660 level 1 and level
2 and with the Romeo and Joliet file
system.
When naming an MP3 or WMA file,
add the appropriate file extension (.mp3
or .wma).
The MP3/WMA player plays back files
with .mp3 or .wma file extensions as
MP3 or WMA files. To prevent noise
and playback errors, use the appropriate
file extensions.
Multi−session compatible CDs can also
be played.
MP3 files are compatible with the ID3
Tag Ver. 1.0, Ver. 1.1, Ver. 2.2, and
Ver. 2.3 formats. The unit cannot display
disc title, track title and artist
name in other formats.
WMA files can contain a WMA tag that
is used in the same way as an ID3
tag. WMA tags carry information such
as track title, artist name.
The emphasis function is available only
when playing MP3/WMA files recorded
at 32, 44.1 and 48 kHz. (The system
can play MP3 files with sampling frequencies
of 16, 22.05, and 24 kHz.
However, the emphasis function is not
available for files recorded at these frequencies.)
The sound quality of MP3/WMA files
generally improves with higher bit
rates. In order to achieve a reasonable
level of sound quality, discs recorded
with a bit rate of at least 128 kbps are
recommended.
Playable bit rates
MP3 files:
MPEG1 LAYER3—64 to 320 kbps
MPEG2 LSF LAYER3—64 to 160 kbps
WMA files:
Ver. 7, 8 CBR—48 to 192 kbps
Ver. 9 CBR—48 to 320 kbps
The MP3/WMA player does not play
back MP3/WMA files from discs recorder
using packet write data transfer
(UDF format). Discs should be recorded
using “pre−mastering” software
rather than packet−write software.
M3u playlists are not compatible with
the audio player.
MP3i (MP3 interactive) and MP3PRO
formats are not compatible with the audio
player.
The MP3 player is compatible with
VBR (Variable Bit Rate).
When playing back files recorded as
VBR (Variable Bit Rate) files, the play
time will not be correctly displayed if
fast−forward or reverse operations are
used.
It is not possible to check folders that
do not include MP3/WMA files.
MP3/WMA files in folders up to 8 levels
deep can be played. However, the
start of playback may be delayed when
using discs containing numerous levels
of folders. For this reason, we recommend
creating discs with no more than
two levels of folders.
It is possible to play up to 192 folders
or 255 files on one disc.
CD−R and CD−RW discs
CD−R/CD−RW discs that have not been
subject to the “finalizing process” (a
process that allows discs to be played
on a conventional CD player) cannot
be played.
It may not be possible to play
CD−R/CD−RW discs recorded on a music
CD recorder or a personal computer
because of disc characteristics,
scratches or dirt on the disc, or dirt,
condensation, etc. on the lens of the
unit.
It may not be possible to play discs
recorded on a personal computer depending
on the application settings and
the environment. Record with the correct
format. (For details, contact the
appropriate application manufacturers of
the applications.)
CD−R/CD−RW discs may be damaged
by direct exposure to sunlight, high
temperatures or other storage conditions.
The unit may be unable to play
some damaged discs.
If you insert a CD−RW disc into the
MP3/WMA player, playback will begin
more slowly than with a conventional
CD or CD−R disc.
Recordings on CD−R/CD−RW cannot
be played using the DDCD (Double
Density CD) system.
TERMS
Packet write—
This is a general term that describes the
process of writing data on−demand to
CD−R, etc., in the same way that data is
written to floppy or hard discs.
ID3 Tag—
This is a method of embedding track−related
information in an MP3 file. This embedded
information can include the track
title, the artist’s name, the album title, the
music genre, the year of production, comments
and other data. The contents can
be freely edited using software with ID3
tag editing functions. Although the tags
are restricted to the number of characters,
the information can be viewed when the
track is played back.
WMA Tag—
WMA files can contain a WMA tag that is
used in the same way as an ID3 tag.
WMA tags carry information such as track
title, artist name.
