This is a follow up, for anyone who is interested. I have achieved some success using these tools.
I uninstalled the trial version of cyberlink powerdirector 7 (as far as I can see it is a waste of time) and by using cyberlink ne (which came with the camera) to download files from the everio camera, and by using the trial version of corel videostudio pro x2 (which I have subsequently purchased) to edit and burn, and by using VLC media player to view my dvds (they also play fine on my sony standalone dvd player) I can now successfully make my videos. (I am making videos of 1 hour horse riding lessons.) I am using a pioneer burner (DVR-10
and Maxell 16x dvd-r media (the Memorex 16x dvd-r media that I purchased are absolute crap and caused me nothing but problems and I finally, happily, tossed them in the trash) and now all is well.
I hope this helps other Everio users. My camera is the gz-mg555 everio hdd camcorder.