I have converted a lot of "tapes" over the years... IMO, it is better to convert your cassettes (or any media) by playing back to a Recorder of some type rather than a computer. First, the recorder is made to do exactly what you want. Second, doing it to a PC can introduce all kinds of variables and can also tie up your PC so you can't surf the webz...
If you have a Recorder that does WAV, just run the line-out of your tape deck into the line-in on your Recorder, and make a 16/44 WAV file. Once you Transfer the tape, copy from the Recorder to your PC and do what you want. If you want MP3s, then just convert. Burn to CDRs if you want. Whatever...
If you don't have a recorder, I would think about whether or not it is worth investing in one for the purpose of Transferring these tapes. You have to weigh the expense vs. the potential of finding these tapes already transferred and shared on the internet...
Terry