how to play AVI file on Real Player/Windows Media Player?

Hi,
I captured an AVI file from my DVD player using my video card. My Real Player and Windows Media Player won't place this DVD clip. Someone said I need codecs.
1. what are they?
2. where to get them?
3. how to use that to convert the file to some other format?
4. what formats do Real Player and Windows Media Player support?
4a. Is there another downloadable DVD player that will play the AVI file as is?
5. I also tried to burn this AVI file using Nero but when I tried to drag the file to the proper place, I encountered problems. What could be the issue here?
6. I have been told in another forum that my CD burner can burn a DVD file on DVD media if the format is proper. What format is needed? Is this another codec issue? (Nero says it needs AVI and that is what my file is).
Thanks

 

check you have the codecs installed for your graphics card

 

You need the plugins or win dvd. The plug ins used to be easy to get. I think they were infringing or some copyright because they are gone from the internet as far as I know. Here is a trial of win dvd. Make sure you don't have a disk that came with the drive/computer for dvd's If you don't try this. Be aware you'll have to pay later to keep it.
http://www.intervideo.com/jsp/Product_Download.jsp?p=WinDVD6

 

I do not know anything about codecs or graphic card.
Or plugins. I'll try that link for the win dvd player.

 

It'll work. Trust me