v7 with a gap bios?

I've got a v7 machine that I noticed has a gap on the bios chip. I've never really paid a lot of attention, but I've never noticed this before. I was assuming this machine was a NTSC model (I'm from Canada), but I'm beginning to wonder if it's maybe a PAL machine?

I've actually run into a problem with this machine. I installed a DuoChip into it (which I haven't had any problems with these chips yet) and the damn machine will only read Ritek dvdrs (and all originals and cdrs - this is just related to dvdrs). Any other brand of dvdr I throw at it, it doesn't want to boot (except the odd time). It also doesn't boot the Ritek 100% of the time. Maybe 95%. I messed around with the laser forever and never got anywheres with that. So I decided to rip the chip out and re-install a totally different DuoChip and it still had the same problem.

I explained the situation to the customer, and he was fine with it just reading the Ritek discs, but he's since called me back and says that it's hardly booting those anymore (after a day). I'm at a complete loss with this machine. I just don't know what the hell would be causing this. So unfortunately I've offered to remove the chip and give the fella his cash back (first time in my 5 year modding career!).

I'm beginning to wonder if maybe that gap in the bios chip might have something to do with this? Maybe it's actually a PAL machine or something? I dunno...

Has anyone else come across something like this?

Nope nothing at all to do with it, it's a plain simple answer some ps2's are just damn picky when it come's to dvd-r media.
in this case tho i would say the laser diode couldnt muster enough power for reading dvd-r.
EnTiTy

Thanks Entity... I've actually even tried adjusting the pots on the laser, but didn't help either. So unfortunately I'm probably going to end up ripping the chip out tonight and give him his money back, which doesn't bother me. It's the endless hours I've spent on the machine for no reason now! doh!

Unless someone else has any other ideas?

Cheers

I had a gap bios V7 and had no problems with it. But i have had some PS2's that would only use certain DVD-R's. It sometimes means the laser is going bad. EnTiTy is right the lasers are very picky with media this is almost to common on V7's that were used to play original games then modded.

alright,... thanks for the input barclayrl. I'm ripping it out it about a half an hour. :(

Cheers