Since you have a cd burner, do you by any chance know what brand, model #, etc. that it is.....
You should use Clone CD and a 100% compatible burner to backup all of your CD based games...
You should seriously consider purchasing a dvd burner.... The prices have come way down and its one of the best purchases you can make... The two big boys in this category is:
The Sony DRU-500A
The Pioneer A05.....
As far as mod chips are concerned... There are ONLY 2 you should consider....
The Messiah 2 or the Magic 3.... These are direct boot chips and are the best bet....
It takes alot of skill to solder all of the wires into your PS2 for these chips, so I would HIGHLY rec. letting a pro do it...
Since your in the US, send your PS2's to Bill @
Freedomlives.com and let him do the installs....
You can order the Messiah 2 chip from Charlie_PS2 or Dust2Dust...They are highly trusted and respected members of this forum. I have personally dealt with both of them on numerous occasions...
This should help get you started, if you have any other questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask...