On setting up a new PS2 I got the message "No memory card inserted in MEMORY CARD slot 1. If you wish to save your high scores, player profiles and option settings, insert a memory card (PS2) with at least 50KB of free space" and can not progress any further. Any ideas?? I do not have a memory card and will never ever want to save scores. All I will ever use the PS2 for is for Singstar.

Try these steps. If this doesn't work you may want to take the card to Game Stop or something and have them test it to see if it's working. Hope this helps!

1. Insert the Memory Card into the PlayStation 2 console. The port is located directly above the controller port. Note that there are two different memory card ports; there is no difference between the two. Some games, however, will attempt to auto-load from slot one so it is recommended that you keep your memory card inserted in slot one.
   
2. Plug your controller into the PlayStation 2. Power up the system without a PS2 disc inserted. You will be taken to the system menu screen. Select the "Memory Card" menu to examine any data on the card. If the memory card is new there should be no data on the card, if it is used you may see old saves from the previous owner on the card. If you no longer desire to keep these saves, you may highlight them and press the "Triangle" button to delete them.
   
3. Insert your PlayStation 2 game disc into the system. When the disc appears on the system menu, select it. Load the game, and play until you are prompted to either create a user profile, or to save your game. Once you have saved any data to the memory card, reset the system.
   
4. Select the "Memory Card" menu and examine your memory card. You should see a new icon representing your game's save data. If this data appears on the card, you have correctly set-up your PS2 Memory Card.
   
   If the data does not appear on the card, you will need to format the card. If the system detects corrupt data on the card it will automatically open a prompt asking if you would like to format the memory card. Select "Yes" and the PlayStation 2 will format the card.
   

There isn't way to fix this easily. I recommend taking it to Geek Squad and having them look at it. Although it may be cheaper just to purchase a new Ps2.

take out slot one memory card and insert your second memory card into it (they are supposed to use slot 1)

Hi..i have solution for this issue burnout 3 takedown with mcboot users only in ps2 saving error fixed,
If you are using OPL or you have to download OPL v0.8 here:http://psx-scene.com/forums/attachments/f150/22271d1291812361-open-ps2-loader-project-v0-8-openps2loader_0.8.zip. it is elf file you easily boot from usb or mc once you done.
ulaunchELF then browse and launch OPL v0.8 just go game setting on main manu put over burnout 3 by pressing triangle there is a option game setting there you can see VMC(Virtual memory card) VMC Slot 1 <not set> just select this and burnout 3 game code will appear just rename it as 001 and
just create it. Thats all here after it won't save by MC it will through your HDD or USB HDD whatever you're using it and one more thing there should be a folder create VMC/ in HDD directory.
Play burnout 3 take down without save error free..Enjoy pls comment.

There is no known fix for a corrupt PS2 memory card.

All you can do is buy a new memory card and copy the saved games you wish to save to it.

yeah. if it is a playstation1 game your trying to play in a ps2 it shouldnt save the game

Hi,

When you choose to save when you are in any game, on the save screen you can choose to save to slot 2 provided there is a memory card inserted in slot 2.

Hi,

Is the game looking in the right slot for the memory card?

The memeory card is not inserted correctly,
you have to push it just a little more, after it has been inserted correctly u can save the games   

Hi Lofatman,

 

If this problem happens with the memory card when its in either slot 1 or slot 2

I suggest you clean the contacts of the memory card. 

 

If it just happens when you have in Slot 1 or Slot 2 only,

 Go to Radio Shack and get a Can of contact cleaner that has a Brush built into the Spray nozzle. 

1. Turn off the PS2 and disconnect the power cord.
2. Use a small screwdriver to press open the memory card slot. Do not use too much force, its delicate.
3. Push the Brush sprayer up into the memorycard slot and spray a little and brush away at the memory slot contacts.

if you do not have success with that, you must open the PS2 case, and Remove the Controler ports and clean up the whole controller port assembly.

 

If that doesn't work, and your frustrated and not Electronically skilled enough to do this.  I can get the PS2 in tip top shape, for $32 and that includes return shipping.  I run the website www.playstationclinic.com

 

This should put you in business.