Kubuntu - bot disc not working

[Stephen Constantinou]

Dear All

I an the cautious possible new user/member and thank you for the 
abundance of replies.

I decided to try the Kubuntu flavour and downloaded the iso: 
kubuntu-7.10-dvd-i386.iso.

I made a dvd and inserted it into the drive then rebooted.  I was 
presented with a menu and choose the first option: Start or install 
Kubuntu.  Next was the loading linux kernel progress bar.  After a few 
minutes all came to rest with a prompt: "ubuntu at ubuntu:~$_"

It was not obvious what I do to get into a gui/KDE.  Startx did nothing
I tried to boot a few more times and sometimes the prompt was: 
"(initramfs)_".

I was not able to install Kubuntu either.

The DVD drive does boot as I have installed Mandriva after this failed 
attempt.  I know that making a boot disc from an ISO is not about 
copying the ISO file to the burn medium.  It is a specific choice within 
the burning programme.

Any help appreciated

Stephen, Swansea, Wales, UK