Did you check the version of MS DASH?
I am having the same problem, but I believe it is because my MS DASH is not version 5960. I started with v4920, but borrowed a game that got me to V5659.
When I connect to xbox live and I say OK to the update it immediately follows with something like "cannot continue due to technical difficulties"
I read on these pages that running Halo 2 will update to the right MS DASH, but have not been able to get my hands on a copy to try. I had assumed that any game with the "LIVE" bar across the top would work, but that only got me to V5659 - any other suggested games?
SO, what is the version of MS DASH that you are running when the Splinter-mod fails? I assume from my failed softmod attempts (Splinter Cell with blank screen after selecting the "Linux" game save) that the problem is the MS DASH.

I have tried several different attempts, including Krazie's, as well as xbins and the latest was "SID 4.0 Nknave" in the vain hope that these did not require the V5960 MS Dash.
I am using AR's memory module, so, until I read this discussion, I had no idea that this may be a problem as well
-a