converting avi and burning dvd's

I done all things suggested down loading the winavi converter, It can’t open the film to convert it. I can’t burn the dvd’s I downloaded, i can watch them on the computer. I’ve tried all the idiot proof stuff. Any ideas, cos i’m getting ready to throw the computer out of the window.

What about file format?

it’s an avi, file/ torrent file. I’m having serious problems. I tried to rename them but i still can’t open them to burn.