My issue is RESOLVED! Thanks to you, TonyPh12345. My problem was that I was using the hdmi connection with a 2009 Sony Bravia TV, which I’ve noticed is slow to react to anything. I switched to analog audio and component video.
Mp3s play perfectly now!
I apologize to WD for the disloyal spouting I did in my earlier post. I edited that stuff out. WDTV Live is awesome!
Thanks also to RichUK. The word “composite” in your post is what switched the light on.