Only Nero Can Play CD Nero Makes!

I've got a hassle using Nero to burn a CD. I've used Nero for yonks burning DVD's with no problem. This is the first time I've ever tried to make a CD.

I have a directory of mp3 files.

I asked Nero to make a CD and it went ahead and made it.

But it won't play on my CD player.

And when I look at it on my computer I can't see any files in there.

And VLC can't play it.

Windows explorer 'Properties' says that only 1.4Mb has been used! So it really looks like and acts like an empty CD.

BUT: use Nero Showtime and it immediately starts playing the CD. The files are there, in what format I don't know. Apparently playable only by Nero Show Time. Apparently not even seeable by WinXP.

This is not good.

How can I make Nero produce an acceptable, widely playable, CD with files seeable by my computer OR: what other prog should I use for burning CD's ?