I`ve just bought a lead that runs from my mixer too my computer so i can record my mixing (",)

I`ve checked a few other forums for free software to record it and a few people has said "Audacity" is a good one, so i`ve just downloaded it and tried but i cant seem to sort the levels out and it records it too loud (i`ve fiddled with the gain and still too loud) and also i cant play it on windows media, which i want to do as i want to do CD`s..........

Does anyone else have suggestions on software i can use, the cheaper the better cos i`m tight ha ha

Any help muchly appreciated ;)