I am having a difficult time getting downloaded MP3s to play. If I download 20 copies of the same song, I can usually find one that will play. This is a relatively new issue. I'm running an old iMac with system 10.4.11 and iTunes 8.0.2 with Limewire version 4.12.6 Pro. No system upgrades have been made.

When getting info on an unplayable MP3 as opposed to one that works, the "General" heading shows similar info. The "more info" headings are quite different. The working MP3 file shows album, authors, channel count,duration, and last opened while the unplayable one shows only last opened. Name & extension and open with are also the same while there is no preview for the unplayable one. Ownership & permissions and details are similar. Can anybody PLEASE help me with this issue??

What are the file sizes of the mp3's that will not work?

Try a back up player to see if they play or not ... only a basic simple player interface but can play many more audio formats than iTunes is Toolplayer, find a link to it here: Alternate Audio Players & support plug-ins

There are a lot of either fake or deliberately corrupt files being spammed onto the network. Catch a look at these: (1) Virus thread: Typical virus spam file sizes - Make a note of them (click on blue link to see) & also (2) mp3 Bit-Rates Versus File Sizes (click on link)

iTunes cannot play mp3Pro format, though I suspect that format is gradually becoming rarer these days, with any luck at least.

I am aware of those fake music files that typically have the name of the song and then some ridiculously file size like 100k. The song sizes have been what I would call normal in regard to their bit rate. Also, I have been using iTunes for over 10 years and Limewire for 10 without issue. I would prefer to continue using iTunes at this time.
Thanks

well ... you will never know if those files are good or not then. Good luck and Bye
I've been using iTunes for about 10 years & I think it's fallen into a heap of crap. Personal opinion of course.