I noticed recently that when I updated my iTunes software, it reverted my import settings back to AAC. Not very nice of it.
(As background, AAC is the default audio setting on iTunes. It works great with iTunes or an iPod, but doesn’t work with other players like a Sandisk, Zune, Palm, etc. MP3 is a much more compatible format that is preferred. If you don’t change this setting, all the music you rip on iTunes will not be accessible on other players.)
To change this in iTunes:
– Go to the Edit menu (iTunes menu on Mac).
– Select Preferences.
– On the General tab, click Import Settings.
– For Import using, choose MP3 encoder.
Doing this will save you a lot of time if you ever want to listen to audio on some other device.
iTunes import settings