Trouble DVD-R burn/uploaded HandyCam HDD clips

HELP! I can't get my IBM T43 to burn DVDs from videoclips. I have uploaded
movie clips from my Sony HandyCam HDD 30GB camera (new) and I followed
instructions on the included cd-R and have installed the requisite software,
Image Mixer 3. It's says it's supposed to be 1-step dvd-burning once you
plug the usb-port in and connect cam to 'puter. BUT so far WAY more than 1
step ... I keep getting the error message that there is no disc in drive and
to insert a "readable data cd-r disc and 'try again'" - WAY frustrating. Does
this mean my 'puter only burns cd-rs and not DVDs - but the drive is a
DVD/CD-R drive. And it plays dvds just fine. It does burn cd-rs and copies
files from cds all the time. Theoretically I'm supposed to be able to burn
dvds. My one thought is that the Kodak (shoulda used Maxell or TDK) dvds are
messed up or unformated or something (really only kinda know what I'm talking
abou here, I must confess). They are 4.7GB and the label says they're from
2005. Is there some problem that I'm missing? HELP..please.

Jessie