Splinter Cell Red Screens

[stppilot]

Can someone please help
Tried to copy splinter cell got the red screen when i tried to play the game. the game loaded the title page and options and so on but when i go to play a mission looks for mem card and goes red.
i just got the play station in december and had the chips put in (don't know what version ps2 i have if this matters. put if it does how do i find what version it is -- i would think it would be the newest since it was bought in december) i'm using sony dru-500 dvd burner and record now program.
i have the cd-r mod and the swap magic dvd 2.0 mod setup
does anyone think that it could be the media? i don't know since it is loading all the title screens and options menu then going red when i play the game. I'm going to try using a verbatium dvd+r and see if that might work (does anyone know if this could be the problem) Or has anyone had this happen before? I have read on different forums that some are saying that this is somekind of copy protect can anyone verify that this is true.
thanx
Rob