esound and playing mp3's ?

[gnome <gnome cmn net>]

i can't seem to play mp3's (or any sounds for that matter ) while esd is
initialized is this normal?
im brand spankin new to E so im not sure whats really going on.. I do
know that if i dissable esd mp3 players work just fine..  anyone that
can fill me in would be appericated thanx in advance...PhroG