Having trouble backing up data

I want to to a PC restore to set my computer back to factory settings.  I want to back up some data before doing this, but am having trouble.  I thought this was going to be the easy part.

I can't even get the CD formatted.  When I put it in a dialogue box comes up with choices.  I chose format with Roxio.  Nothing happens. How do I format the CD?

I went in Roxio and couldn't understand the instructions on formatting. Could someone please explain.

I thought maybe if I just went right into the backup utility in accessories it would walk me through it.  When I click on backup it says Removable storage not running. 

In dells how to's, it says it's best to use the transfer files and setting wizard to do this. When I launch it, the only drive it shows is Drive E.  I want to transfer to my CD drive which is D.

I'm not a computer genius, but I've been using them for years and it seems some things are getting more complicated rather than easier.  I feel like an idiot for not even being able to back up my data. Thanks for any help.