When you pop the CD into the target computer - can you see the files in Windows Explorer? D: drive? Do they have the .docx extension?

I know with DVD's you have to finalize the dvd before another unit can read it - is there any finalize for the cd you created? Are you using Windows Explorer to create the CD? You know put the cd in the drive - then open with windows explorer - copy and paste the files there - then right click and burn to CD.

You could try saving the Word files in 2003-97 format - then try and open on the other laptop?