I have a Zenith DVD/VCR and I am recording a tape

A lot depends on what type of video tape you use and where do you want to play the DVDs (CDs are for audio recording only). If tape is compact VHS then you can buy a simple DVD Recorder VHS VCR combo player and transfer across easily provided you have the compact VHS cassette module.
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/reservoir/tv-dvd-players/lg-v271-vcr-dvd-player-combo-recorder-6-head-hi-fi-stereo/1073556241

For other type of video camera tapes you will have to try other methods like connect camera with tape to a DVD recorder and directly burn the DVDs. You can buy attachments and software for PC but I have found these very cumbersome to work with.

no easy way to do this unfortunately. You either need to connect your VCR to a DVD recorder and record it directly onto DVD or use a device such as this http://www.dx.com/p/easycap-usb-video-capture-adapter-5707 to connect your VCR to your computer and record it onto your computer that way.

the available info shows the record feature only for the vcr side on this vcr/dvd combo. Dvd is only a player.

yes because there is no incription code

Hi.
I'm sorry, but according to zenith xbv323 VCR/DVD combo user's manual page 24 you can ONLY copy DVD to VCR and not the other way

You cannot record to a dvd, this machine is not a dvd recorder. There are plenty of resonably priced machines on the market that will record a vhs tape to dvd, but not this one.

Connect with RCA cable to RCA jacks\plugs::
output [player] audio to INPUT [recorder]
OUTPUT [player] Video to INPUT [recorder]
*************************************************
Place blank tape in RECORDER, Tape that you want to record from into PLAYER.Press Record [recorder machine], wait one second, press PAUSE.( thats to give record tape "breathing" space.) Set up your player tape to start playing. When you know what you want to record, press PAUSE again to begining recording. Press PAUSE after the recorded section to install 2nd tape, etc. etc.
NOTE:: some VCRs use PAUSE 2nd time to release and continue recording, while some machines you must press RECORD button again to release PAUSE. you must expirement before begining your project.

This machine does not support DVD recording. Are you trying to make a tape from a DVD, by some chance?...accordianman

You cannot burn a DVD on the XBV243. It is NOT a DVD recorder. You CAN record onto a VHS tape from a DVD (copy-protected commercial DVDs cannot be recorded)

Even if you do get it connected you cannot copy from vhs to dvd as you have bought a vcr recorder with dvd player, not a dvd recorder. You can only record to the vcr tape from a dvd, in the players controls.