How do I read the account and routing numbers on a check?

See for an example here:
http://www.regions.com/virtualmedia/img576.gif

Bank of America checks look a little different. For more examples (including BAC) see here:
routing number check - Google Search

http://www.regions.com/virtualmedia/img576.gif

And of course if and when in doubt, call the bank they check is issued on.