I use easy Cd on POS ME and really have never had any problems. Ive heard Nero is good too which ill probably get when i get my own comp instead of my parents' (AMD athlon and XP here i come
)
Oh and Compaq is pretty crappy as ive heard but im sure you know that already!! Custom building is the only way to go if you know people who can do it.
Also i wouldnt be on kazaa while you try to burn a cd. Kazaa can freeze up your comp too sometimes which is why i recommend Kazaa Lite if you can find it. It doesnt have spyware and seems to run more smoothly
Later,
Nick