CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 :: Simple Image To Vector For Laser Cutter

New to Corel Draw.  We just purchased a laser cutter to cut our stencils (we airbrush), but having a VERY hard time figuring out how to prep the vector images.   We follow instructions, but it seems to always have a problem.   We usually separate layers on photoshop and then trace on Corel so it can be a vector, but it doesn't seem to be working.   What is the easiest, most simple way to turn an image into a vector so we can send it to the laser software???  Only doing black and white, one layer at a time.

 Just need simple instructions, and most seem to be WAY too complicated or always have some complication. I have watched videos and read instructions, got close, but no cigar.   Sometimes I think I have a vector, but when I send it to the laser software it doesn't detect it.  I need simple instructions,  Simple simple!

Can I make an image a vector without tracing it?  Does it have to be a bitmap to be a vector?  I can't turn images into curves because the option is gray (not available).  If I select hairline it puts a hairline border around the image and I don't want it cut!