I had that same problem. I called compaq and they said 'it's not supposed to be put on your lap'. I asked them why the hell do you call it a laptop? I ended up taking it back...

There are cooling tables you can get for a few bucks that basically have 4 fans blowing air into it from the bottom, cooling the hard drive. That's an option. I used to put it on a pillow on my lap. Kept my legs cool. I know exactly how that burning feeling is...it's annoying. Can't think of much else.

Good luck