How to create a bootable cd

I have a Operating System installation disk that does not boot on startup.

The bios is set corretly.
I have used bootable floppies in the past.

I need to know what I need to do when I burn the cd to make it a bootable cd???

I know settingsexist within most CD burning programs, but they ask for a boot disk. This is not the answer I’m looking for. I need to know how to program the files for the bootup.

Thanks in advance.