Sounds like the conversion worked, right? Could your software "see" the new version of the file (i.e. did it play in media player?). If it says "insert writable disk", then it sounds like something with your disk drive or maybe a damaged / full disk. I burn onto CD-R disks too so am stuck on this one. If it helps, I used a program called Sonic RecordNow.
You're right about the video being sweet tribute, many thanks to the original poster.
Actually, this afternoon I'm off to the Toronto Reference Library (Canada's largest) to check out some old archival texts. While I'm there, I'll be checking out Jerry's book on Joe's work too.