thanks for the replies..i have tried what is suggested in the links above, but something must be corrupt?..
its a long complicated story, but simply put..when i re downloaded reaper, it somehow..in part, downloaded to my backup/external drive...
this is going to sound retarded, but I ca not find the file to place the LAME dll into..
I am considering completely deleting reaper, then re installing it, but..i am very concerned about my previously saved projects not being able to be used still if I do that?