Trouble burning audio CD's

I have E1505 with Vista -

 

Trying to burn an audio CD and having some trouble:

 

1st - Tried to burn a disk with Windows Media Player using Memorex CD-R.   The disc plays fine on the laptop only - won't play in a standard CD player or changer.

 

Tried burning another disk - same exact result.

 

So I tried a different program:

 

2nd - Tried to burn using Roxio.   Set burn speed to 4x (slowest setting).   Burned fine, plays in both laptop and changer HOWEVER I hear popping sounds/static towards the end of the disk.

 

Tried burning another disk - same exact result.

 

 

Could this be a problem with the burner or software?   I'm not suspecting the media especially since I've used most of the spindle on my last PC and all of those disks play flawlessly.   

 

I can try iTunes next but I figured I'd ask for help - I already have enough coasters around the house.

 

Any ideas??