I downloaded the encoder and everything but when I try to export the file and turn it into an mp3 it goes through the whole process but the file wont play....

the file length says zero

The process to create a wav and mp3 are essentially the same in Mc7. Try the same steps and export a wav. Is it playable?
 

still didn't play
 

Then the problem is not the export format but how you are performing the export.

so when I went to "my products" and clicked the MP3Encoder.exe link and went through the steps for it an error popped up sayin something about shared utility folders not being found and how I need to install my cakewalk application first...would that be the reason it's messing up?

There are two mp3 products sold by Cakewalk an mp3 encoder and an mp3 activation program. I provided a link in your other post to the correct product for MC7, the mp3 activation program. From the description you just provided it appears you purchased the mp3 encoder. Contact support to get the correct prduct added to your account.

oh

Thank You