I don't know if this will help or not, but check the links below. If nothing there helps, check the player's manual for more info or go a Google search for something like format error Chinese iPod

MP4 PLAYER NOT PLAYING VIDEOS "FORMAT ERROR"

FIXED! Format Error on Videos I Convert for China IPOD 1.5&q

MP4/AMV/REC/FM Chinese ipod knockoff

Chinese MP3/4 (4Gb) - CNET MP3 players Forums