Win XP media preview tweek..??

i am using win 2k at home and thinking to upgrade with win xp.. but there is a problem..

we all noticed that, in win 2k when we select a media file.. video or audio.. a mediaplayer aplet appears at the left panel of the folder..
and this allows us to get a quick preview of that file.. it palys that file..

but with win xp folder i cant find it there.. though in the left panel of a folder under details tab a thumbnail box appears but it doesnt allow me to play a media file.. video/audio..

if there is any trick or tweak to get the media aplet there like win 2k it will be very helpful for me..

any help according this topic is highly appriciated..

many thanks in advance..friends..