i've got a working copy of knockout kings 2000. i just used cdrwin, with megagames.com suggested settings made a cdimage on my harddrive & burned the image to a cd-r. i havent had any problems whatsoever. also, since you metioned ea sports in particular, i've got a working copy of madden 2001 & nhl 2001. no patching at all.. i'd try cdrwin if i were you.. it works great.