I've downloaded an MP3 track, but it won't play. All I can hear is distortion. Why?

More than likely the file has been 'cooked'. This occurs when the server you are downloading from has been improperly configured and as a result treats binary files as text files. The solution? Well obviously you have to uncook the files. Why didn't you think of that? ;) This can be achieved using a program known as Uncook 95.