Windows 7: need help burning pictures to dvd

i am trying to burn pictures onto dvd-r and would like individual folders of holidays etc, but when i try in windows dvd maker i do not get folders but one long stream of pictures amountin to hundreds on one long slide show and not individual folders.

You should use a burning software. I'd recommend Nero Burning Rom.

Using explorer before trying to burn a disc, put everything in the directory format you would like on your hard drive. Use a burner software and just select all the folders to create a disc.
This is a free perfectly adequate burner, the interface is pretty much self explanatory. Any further probs, post again.
good luck.