Its hard to see the modchip. It has a EZ install clip attached to it as well as a sticky pad covering it up
. From the boot sequenced you described you have a very old modchip. If i understand your post correctly you must use AR2 to boot PS2 cd-r backups, if so, in order to boot dvd-r backups you must perform a double swap with a hi TOC ORIGINAL dvd game. The original game must have a higher TOC than the backup to be loaded or it wont work.
Look at some of the old 'Modchip boot procedures' located in the Ultimate info sticky. Some describe boot procedures for dvd-r using AR2.
Maybe one will work. Hope this helps
