error - "an error occurred while opening a codec.
I am totally unfamiliar with any type of software so any help is appreciated I have no idea what a codec is. Is that something that should be included in the original software or something else I need to install.
Lossy (data compressed) file types such as MP3, AAC, ect. require codecs to render (save / encode) a file and playback (decode). PCM (Wave) files are not compressed and do not need a codec. Wave is the preferred file type for editing and processing. End user MP3 files and can be encoded when editing is complete.
If you cannot 'Save as' a MP3 files, try resetting Sound Forge, (File> "Reset all preferences and clear cached data).
btw, welcome to the Magix Sound Forge users community @Sheryl-Shortell.