Well, basically why you can't play MP3's on ur Linux comp is 'coz RH 8.0 has by default stopped supporting MPEG Compression(due to patency issues).
So, If u want to play ur MP3 in XMMS(RH 8.0), u need to download a plugin from the XMMS website.
Well, Now I've got my own problem.......... I'm not able to run my VCD's on RH 8.0........... anyone knows how to do it???