Writing to CD-Rw and Windows XP

I have my version of a Backup program in which it scans C-Drive and copies archived files to a CD-R. This program depends on the CD-R being formatted and in Write status. I use Easy CD Creator to effect this. (Windows ME )
All is fine and been working UNTIL,
'
My wife got a new computer(2 actually) both with Windows XP on them (One Home Edition the other Professional). Now there appears to not be a way to format CD-R's for write status and leave them that way for easy file copying.
It appears like XP demands a certain format or it ignores the CD-Rs and programs can't just copy files to them any more
The CD-Burner software that came with the computers are to end user oriented and do not suit my needs.

When searching this forum, I came across a thread that talks about a site that has an excellent discussion and examples on how to handle Burners on XP. I looked at the site yesterday and it was in a language I do not understand (Something other than English). Today I can not locate that thread or at least my search arguments are incorrect.

Can some one help me? I would dearly like to be able to make my backup program use the standard method for opening and closing CD-R's etc on XP

Thanks for any help you can give,

JohnG