Why do you want 1x when clearly isn't possible and never was on +R media? Try 4x since 2.4x was tested without success.
Try some quality discs from Verbatim MKM/MCC not that low quality CMC. If that don't produce a good burn get a new drive.
Try a lens cleaner for last resort before buy a new drive.
The prog can say it was succesful the burn but only the verify part will tell you if the disc is good.
I guess you let it verify, don't you?
Can you post the log for us to see what's there? Look in Help menu.
On Vista/7 is a .com file not a .ima file and you don't need the disc to extract the boot image, just the content files of the disc to recreate the bootable disc.
What it say in the status bar?
Most probably the drive don't like the disc. What brand is that disc? Try Verbatim.
Update chipset/storage drivers. This site may help. http://www.ma-config.com/
Right click on drive selection box (or go to Tools/Drive...) and go for Check for firmware updates...
If there is a later one available install it and try again. Remove the disc from tray before doing this.
It seams that the drive has no support in firmware for that disc. (no burning speed ofered)
Try other brand of discs with different MID/dye than RITEK-BR2-000
ImgBurn relies on DirectShow / ACM for decoding your audio files.
Probably the ID3Tag contains some info (usualy album art) that DirectShow chokes on.
Use an ID3Tag editor and try remove/clear the tags leaving just the Performer and Track name (if you need CD Text you only need them if not you can remove those too)
That explain it.
Now I'm thinking that the same apply to laptops.
I'm used to desktops and yes after the burn part the tray opens and closes immediately and go with the verify part.
That cat must be hunting that disc.
Looks like a damaged disc.
Try cleaning the disc and look if it's scratched.
Update firmware for your drive http://www.firmwarehq.com/Sony/DW-U14A/files.html
Also update ImgBurn to current version.
Try again.
Try reading the disc in another drive. That drive is old.
You have more options on that link you could try.
As for SP1... http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=5842
You need "windows6.1-KB976932-X86.exe" for your system.