Yeah it is cool, your backup is probably ok but it needs an EA boot to run the game. Often when a game starts to load then locks up with a black screen after a couple of seconds and EA boot is the solution.
EA Boot: For ActionReplay and NEO2.x
1) Turn off PS2 for about 5 secs.
2) Turn on Ps2 and eject CD tray.
3) Insert AR Boot disc.
4) Close CD Draw.
5) Turn off Ps2 with Front power button.
6) Press Power button and keep it held down.
7) Keep button held in while selecting to run the game as usual from the menu.
8) Get right to the last point before the disc will boot (screen says something like "insert game disc then press x") then release the power button.
9) the tray will eject for about 2 to 4 seconds depending on NEO version (disc should have stopped spinning!).
10) quickly remove the boot disc and replace with the game.
11) press the X key JUST as the tray shuts fully.
HTH
