I did have this problem with my original 98EX CD player. Definetly slow down the burning speed to 4X. I believe I used Imations or Memorex discs. Also, sometimes if you hold down the "+" button to fast forward, sometimes that will get a track to start playing.
I since upgraded to the stock 6cd changer deck in the 01-02's, this one reads any cdr and even reads cd-rws!