Extreme-G 3 help w/Neo2.5

[Prototype]

I'm trying to backup Extreme-G3 (NTSC) to use on my v5 w/neo2.5 & gameshark, but I just get a black screen and a forever spinning disc. I've tried using Clony/CloneCD and Nero with varying read/burn speeds and I've had success with both programs on all my other backups. The original game has no visible scratches or defects and plays fine. I've read past threads where others have also had this problem with suggestions of hitting ps2ownz & eapatcher, but both sites are unavailable. I shouldn't need to patch it with a neo2.5 should I? If so, can the image created with either clonecd or nero be used with the ea ppf patcher or do I need to get cdrwin? Thanks!