Hey Herc, couldn't resist a cheeky reply here too....
I use Nero Burning Rom for the CDRW - it's a cracking bit of software which has never crashed / created coasters since I started using it. Works on my Windows 2000, XP, 98 and Me.
Here's the link:
http://www.ahead.de/
... and providing you're not using the DirectCD thingy with Roxio (which I have to admit I use regularly at work), you should uninstall the darn thing completely.
Although EZ-CD is quite nice looking, it's just for show IMHO and conceals some very "flaky" programming.
I'm sure Stagger will add to this thread and provide more info!!
Cheers