WMP 9 series

I have had WMP 9 series since it was first available for
download. I have NEVER been able to play video clips or
WMV files. It says in preferences that this player will
play these extensions, but I get more error messages than
I do viewing time.
WMP 9 sucks, as far as I am concerned. Are there ANY other
players out there that will play the files they SAY they
will???
Please advise
Thanks,
Gary