My problem is that some of my DVD-R back-ups can't seem to load, while some others can. There is a noticeable difference between the DVDs that boot and the ones that don't. The DVDs that boot seem to have data from the outer edge of the disk inwards, then blank disk space to the center. They are Disgaea and Disgaea 2. The DVDs that don't boot, or don't boot as quickly, have unburned space at the outer edge, then burned data, then more blank space to the center. These are Okami (which worked occasionally), Katamari Damacy (which worked once), Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne, Devil Summoner, and DDS 1 and 2, Kingdom Hearts 2, and Dynasty Warriors 5 Empires. I was wondering if this was the problem, and if so, how can I remedy this problem.

By the way, I'm using Verbatim DVD-R's and cogswaploader/swap magic to boot. I have a fairly old v. 9 PS2 (the laser is probably not as strong as it used to be) and a good DVD burner.

EDIT: Would the problem be dummy files in the .iso? I looked through a bunch of the game iso's but only found dummy files in the shin megami tensei games, so i dunno

I doubt it has anything to do with where the data is located on the disc. Try cleaning your laser with a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol. It's a good idea to fit v9's with a romeo mod, to prevent coil burnout. Here's some info:

PS2 Do It Yourself Guide - Page 1 - Warning, Requirements, Starting

http://arstechnica.com/articles/paedia/hardware/ps2.ars

As is the V9/10 has 12v driving the LA chip which feeds the focus coils for the laser. When scratched or low quality media is used the LA chip will feed a voltage to the focus coils. Anywhere from 0-12v (in an unmodded setup) and this voltage can cause coil burn out, damage to the LA chip from overheating, and even cause the ribbon cable to the laser (coils) to deteriorate which can lead to them shorting together and taking out the LA chip all together. The 'Romeo Mod' removes the 12v feed to the LA chip and replaces it with 5v. this is done by lifting pin 17 on the LA chip completely off the PS2s motherboard and soldering a 30 awg wire to the lifted pin and attaching the wire to any 5v source on the mobo.

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I have tried cleaning the lens with rubbing alcohol and it doesn't really have any effect. Disgaea and Disgaea 2 load almost right away, while the others don't usually load at all. Could it be just the fact that the laser in the PS2 is dying?

It could be, you could try adjusting the pots on the laser. It's best to have a multimeter if you're doing it, if not, just turn it barely, like just a tick. It will up the voltage to the laser, but could potentially shorten it's life span.

http://arstechnica.com/articles/paedia/hardware/ps2.ars

PS2 Games Stuttering And Skipping... Slow loading times..Or Just Not Booting Up At All? Take A Look Inside

Those are two good articles, go through them and see if any of the suggestions help. It's possible the laser is dying, but best to rule out all other options first. I'd try different media, burn speeds, programs, make sure my burner is in DMA and my firmware is up to date before blaming the laser.

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