Hehehehe - nice one - was it just me, or did it miss loads of the story out and you just had to make it up for yourself?

Anyway - I can confirm that the latest version of AnyDVD and CloneDVD2 will backup the Region 2 PAL UK/Ireland version no problem - I would say the problem you are having is down to the media you are using. Try different media - your PS2 will be the most picky media wise of nearly all DVD players!!