fedward, I'm sure your burner came with OEM software for DVD burning, didn't it? Why not use AnyDVD, DVD Shrink (or Nero Recode) and then burn your DVD with the OEM software that came with the burner? The only time I've had a problem like yours was when my burner went south--they're only good for a few thousand burns no matter what the brand. Then, you gotta let go.
Conservatively, AnyDVD has cost me around 1.5 cents per DVD that I've burned. To me, that's a helluva deal. I've used AnyDVD with Nero, Pinnacle, and Roxio and never had the first problem burning a DVD. In fact, the only problem I've ever had with AnyDVD is with the most recent version and an older DVD--it removed the title set as being bogus. No problem, though. DVD Decrypter (an old program) took care of that old DVD. Before I gave up on AnyDVD, I'd try another burner.