Is there any way I can write directly to my CDRW drive through Windows Explorer instead of having to use the CD writer software provided.
If I attempt to copy files to the drive I get the message cannot write to CDROM

To perform a cd-rw write from inside windows explorer or internet explorer
You must have direct-cd or it’s equivalent installed and running ( win 95 through win2k)
Then place a previously formatted cd-rw disk in the drive
Make Note of the drive letter when notified the cd-rw is ready for use..

After that you should be able to select the drive as a normal storage device
You may want to put the cd-rw disk in Before starting IE.
It like many of MS software is Brain dead to system changes once it is started and running