burning beat onto CD

Export the audio to your 'My Music' folder and use Windows Media Player to burn the CD.
I realize you probably want to use the Cakewalk app for that, but I'm not too familiar with it, so the quickest way is to burn from WMP until someone comes along who knows more about the Cakewalk process.

I simply create a new folder on my desk top. Export the songs from MC5 into it so they are all in one place.

Then use whatever program you have to organize and burn them all to the CD.

I don't use the burning feature in MC... I like the external app better.

I always use a wave editor to check the final exported wave OUTSIDE of cake before I do anything with it. You will, from time to time, find artifacts and other noises like clicks and stuff that get in through the export/conversion process.

I use Wavepad, some use Audacity, or Windows Music Player. If you have noise, try to export it again, and perhaps un-click the fast bounce option.