Digital BW, The Print

I ordered the Epson RIP driver for black and white based upon
favorable comments in one review.  However, I now realize that I have
a limited understanding of how RIP and postscript drivers operate.  In
other words, I am in over my head.   I'm an advanced computer user --
just not familiar with postscript drivers.  Any help the forum members
can provide would be greatly appreciated and I'm sure I could follow it.

(1)  Does the RIP require a Postscript file if used in Photoshop
within Windows XP?  Do you have to save to an EPS format first before
printing?  Any other settings that are important?

(2) My specific problem is described below, but it might be the result
of printing non-postscript documents within Photoshop.

(3) What about the more expensive ColorByte drivers and profiles?  It
 comes configured for about every type of paper and ink -- and claims
to be good at black and white.

Given the frustrating nature of Epson drivers and software, I'd be
willing to pay for a more expensive solution that actually works.

MY SPECIFIC PROBLEM -- probably caused by a non-Postscript file even
though I spent hours on every other solution:

I have spent all day trying to get Epson Stylus RIP Professional for
the 2200 to work properly to no avail.  It cuts off the bottom 1/3 of
the last page it prints.  If I print only one page it happens then; if
three pages it happens on the third page.  Since most photo prints are
one page it happens every time.  I have modified and checked any
settings that seemed relevant in all of the properties boxes to no
avail.  It happens whether printing text in Word or graphics in
Photoshop.  I have turned spooling on and off, including trying to
print directly to the printer without spooling.  I increased the "job
timeout" and "wait timeout" to a ridiculous 600 seconds.  (What are
those settings for and what should they be set at?)  I am using
Windows XP with one gig of RAM and plenty of disk space.

Thanks in advance for your help from a very frustrated user of Epson
printer drivers.