This registry hack will remove Windows XP's build-in CD Burning capabilities, and let you remove all features in Windows Explorer that allows you to use a CD writer.

Start >> Run >> regedit
HKEY_CURRENT_USER >> Software >> Microsoft >> Windows >> CurrentVersion >> Policies >> Explorer
Create a new DWORD Value NoCDBurning
Right-click NoCDBurning >> Modify >> In the box type 1
Restart the computer

To reverse, just delete the new NoCDBurning value.
Note: This setting does not prevent users from using third-party applications to create or modify CDs using a CD writer.