Why wont my computer play this file.

I recently downloaded a film which says its a Mpeg file type, but none of my programs will play it. (i only have basic ones like Windows Media Player and Realplayer). i have tried downloading xvid and other codecs but firstly i dont know wat to do, and secondly they dont seem to do anything. is there anything any1 can recomend, i would really appreciate the help

Did you ever get an answer on that? I’m having the same exact problem. Going nuts over here!!!
Contact me if you can help, thanks...gina

Go to this site: http://www.free-codecs.com/ and download GSpot and Avicodec ( use search on site). Both are video analysers and open your mpeg file with one of them to find out the type of your file and what codecs you may need in order to play it on your pc.A basic codecs collection is any lite codec pack you like All in One or K-Lite or XP Codecs ,DivX and Xvid.It’s good to have players like VLC or BSplayer or Media Classic, they use better codecs than WMP and as a sound AC3 filter is a must to have it.All from above are freeware so go ahead and install them.If you use GSpot click on render and see what player might work with your file is you use Avicodec click on web besides audio and video info and the link is going to give you the download you 're missing.If your file plays ok sound and picture on pc you may go to the next step and convert it to vcd/svcd/dvd and burn it. Good Luck.