i had the problem with burned cds too, i had some mp3 and noticed right away it didnt play mp3, but i think it depends on the cd i have some non mp3 burned cds thatll work and some burned cds that dont work, burned both the same just different cd makes. it really gets aggravating. i just use my ipod and my plug in ipod transmitter, eventually ill go with a new cd deck.

 

1st Class CD/DVD Media (best brands with 95% or higher successful burn rate):
-Verbatim (usually manufactured by Mitsubishi)
-Taiyo Yuden (also called TY)
-Hitachi (made by Maxell)
-Maxell
-Sony (manufactured by Daxon as Daxon's high quality media)
-TDK

These brands tend to switch manufacturers very rarely, and I've had very good quality burns with Sony and Verbatim. Any other brands switch manufacturers regularly, and/or are of medium (75% to 90% success rate) to poor quality (usually less than 75%, sometimes as low as 50%).

Yes, I know, I am a nerd.