Cannot Burn File Onto DVD - R Disc!?

Question

Just today, i tried burning a movie (.avi) onto a DVD - R , but to no avail. The laptop i am using is a Sony Vaio - VGN- FE18GP, and i looked up specs and it says it is compatible with my disc. Basically when i use windows media player or Real Player, its says insert CD into drive, even when the disc is already inside.


Can anyone recommend any other dvd burning softwares so i can burn the movie onto DVD as a DVD or VCD format so i can play on the DVD player?


ThANKS!