Can someone give suggestions to a newbie tryin to backup games...

[crispy]

Do some research mate.

firstly, go to the CloneCD homepage and check f your drive is compatible.

www.elaborate-bytes.com

Secondly, check what protection your games have at www.gamecopyworld.com

Or download ClonyXL from the above. this will check your CD and then pass on the parameters to CloneCD.

Also READ the info at GCW regarding copy protections and how to copy 'em. The best way to learn is to read for yourself then ask for help when you reach a particular problem.