That one can be caused by damaged iTunes preferences files. If that is what is afoot, rebuilding one set of your preferences files can get past the issue.
Prior to doing the preference file rebuilds: Best to make a note of any custom preferences you have set up for your iTunes. (Rebuilding pref files returns preferences to their defaults ... so you'll likely have to set some of those custom preferences up again from scratch.) Also make a note of any third-party plugins/add-ons you have installed. You may have to reinstall those after the rebuilds.
First, quit iTunes if you have it open.
Next, you'll need to make sure you are set up to view hidden files and folders in Vista (or 7).
1. From the Start menu, click Open.
2. In the Organize menu, click Folder and Search Options.
3. Click the View tab.
4. In the "Advanced settings" pane under "Hidden files and folders" make sure that the "Show hidden files and folders" option is selected.
5. Click OK.
Next, you'll remove the iTunes preference folder (and contained file).
6. In Computer, open Local Disk C:\ or whichever drive your documents are stored on.
7. Open the Users folder.
8. Open the folder with the name of the Vista (or 7) user account in which iTunes isn't showing the Custom AAC options.
9. Open the AppData folder.
10. Open the Roaming folder.
11. Open the Apple Computer folder.
12. Drag the iTunes folder out onto the Desktop.
Now you'll rebuild the preference folder and file.
13. Launch iTunes. This will cause iTunes to rebuild that preference folder and file. The iTunes Setup Assistant will run. Do not add files to your library when prompted to do so. Otherwise you'll end up with a library full of duplicates.
Once iTunes has launched, check your importing preferences again. Do you get the AAC options again?
