Wait a sec .... I think I figured out my Magic 3 problem...
 

I was running a Neo 2.5 with no problems. All of my CD-R backups worked every time. They were all made with Nero on Memorex CD-R's.

I've read that all the Neo chip send too much power to the PS2 laser, causing the laser to burn out prematurely.

I've since switched to a Magic 3. Only 1 of my old CD-R backups works now, and it was made with CloneCD on the same media.

Why would the Magic 3 be so picky ? Is it perhaps because the Neo was sending more voltage to the laser that it had an easier time reading CD-R backups ?? Does that seem to make sense ? So now that the Magic 3 is sending the correct voltage, less than perfect backups are now coasters ?