hmm- if the console is faulty it will cause more problems trading it to EB!

I know for a fact certain psone games will not run on a ps2 (the original time crisis for example wont load at all). Are you sure its every single psone game that wont work?

I would never advise attempting repair on a console, it can cause a lot of problems. This is particularly true with the ps2 where they put a lot of effort into making it tamper proof. I'd just pay to have it replaced I guess, or buy a new one if its cheaper.