Disk copying question

[Platypus Monster <cguy@fix.net>]

Hi,

I just bought an apple //e to play some old apple games that I've
collected over the past couple of years.  Since many of the games would
be difficult to replace if damaged I'd like to play from backup disks. 
Unfortunately, I'm having a little difficulty copying them...  

Whenever I try to get ProDos to look at the disk it, the drive light
goes on and the drive emits this labored noise as it searches it, but it
finds nothing there.  It's as if there's no disk in the drive.  When I
boot the disk to play the game, it works perfectly.  

Any suggestions?

thanks,
Cary