I just built a new computer and put XP SP2 on it and then went out to upgrade the Media Player (hehe, always the first step). I then found that the Windows Media Player 10 has been released.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/mp10/default.aspx
I have to say that I really like the new media player. It took me a second to figure out how to find the File dialog (you have to right-click your mouse on the upper-most bar) as it doesn't appear by default. Is it possible that my .mp3s actually sound better with this version or am I just imagining things. In any case - this is a good download (free also).