Playstation 2 input not working? HELP!!!!!?

I think it might have to do something with the ps2 itself. I don't really know how to describe it but when I try playing DDR MAX 2 and I step on the arrow right on it,it won't do it and it will say "almost" or "boo". Now I know it isn't the pad I just brought a brand new dance pad and it is doing the same thing. I even tried it on controller and it's doing the same thing so it can't be the dance pad at all. What I noticed I have to press it 2 seconds before the arrow hits. I just bought a new DDR Extreme 2 game today and it's doing the same exact thing,I'm thinking it may be the input or something...because my dance mat and the controller are both doing the same thing. I know how to play DDR very well and I always used to go to the arcades and play it and I'm essentially well at it.