ESR - No dice, CogSwap - Works?

So I got myself a pair of SwapMagic discs and the DVD disc never booted, but that wasn't a big deal once I installed Free McBoot with the CD disc. I installed the newest ESR with it, which would never get to the colors screen with backups (DVD-R Memorex). I tried an older version of ESR (6a, apparently said to work better for some games) and still nothing. I then bought some TDK DVD-R's, which are supposed to be pretty good (I know Memorex is bad so I gave it a shot). However, still nothing with ESR. I then tried CogSwap, which actually worked!

The backup was Disgaea 2, which was said to work with TDK burned at 4x on ESR. I suppose it may have something to do with the fact that I am running a V4 Fat PS2. I did clean the laser, but nothing. CogSwap is nice, I don't mind running it if I have to, but I would much rather know why CogSwap only works. The problem is that I do have a family member who doesn't feel like swapping discs (More like doesn't like to take too much time/effort to do something), and he would love to be able to play his backups with ease. I understand I can track down a network adapter and a hard drive for HDLoader, but that will be quite some time before I get them as I can't find them around here. So does anyone have any idea about what could be wrong with ESR?

Sorry for writing a book, but I like to get my point across and cover all bases.
Thanks in advance,
Sonicandtails

Edit: Oh yes, I also patched the discs with the GUI patcher as well.
Edit2: Oh, found my MGS boxset, guess I have no TOC problems now.

If you have a V4 PS2, you should post on the ESR Bug thread at psx-scene forums.
http://psx-scene.com/forums/freevast/

Ask them if anyone knows why its not working on your V4

Thanks for the suggestion!