Windows Movie Maker & DVD Maker Are NOT Burning Widescreen DVDs, even though the appropriate widescreen settings are selected in each of the programs.

I am using Windows Movie Maker to create a photo slideshow.  Under the project tab, it is set to widescreen (16:9).  I have saved the movie using the option "burn a DVD" and it opens up in Windows DVD Maker.  Under the DVD Maker options, I have selected widescreen (16:9), yet the burned DVD is 4:3 aspect ratio when played in DVD player. Trust me, it's not the TV settings as I've tried them all and even tried playing different DVDs and they worked just fine.  From Windows DVD Maker, the preview plays in a 16:9 frame, and the DVD menu displays as 16:9 on the TV, but the movie portion is burned in a full screen frame (4:3) complete with very tall and skinny people and black bars on the left and right. 

I have been using Windows Movie Maker and Windows DVD maker for years and have made hundreds of DVDs.  I just recently purchased a new PC, and am using the same programs, same settings I always have, yet the DVD will not burn to a widescreen format. The current version of Movie Maker I am using is 2012, Build 16.4.3528.0331.  I have Windows 7 Professional, and am using a Dell laptop.  I downloaded the Windows Essentials to get Movie Maker.  The PC came with DVD maker already installed. Previously I had Windows 7 Home Premium, with Windows Live Movie Maker Version 2011, Build 15.4.3508.1109. 

I'm on my 9th failed attempt of burning a widescreen DVD and have been reading through forums and trying to get help from Microsoft support for 4 hours.  I've used the "repair all windows essentials" tool (still had issues), uninstalled and reinstalled Windows essentials (still didn't do anything different).  I've downloaded the latest windows updates, restarted my PC, etc, etc.  I believe there is some type of bug.

Could someone please help me?  Thank you!!!