installing updated drivers for laptop after ubuntu installation is complete.

I cannot play any videos online. The player acts like its gonna work and then never loads

I don't see any video player in ubuntu linux that supports playing .wma or .wmv format media files.
Is there any wmv/wma codec to support the same in leading media players of ubuntu?
VLC player plays most of the formats but no wmv. It would be great if they support it.
The default video player that ships with ubuntu doesn't play or support some of the video format because all i am hearing the sound and don't see any picture. Please help me with a nice video player for linux that supports most of the formats. appreciate your help