jgonsalves,
DMA Channels - This test checks the DMA controllers for proper operation. First, DMA registers and page registers are pattern tested. Second, a DMA read and a write transfer is performed. If errors are detected, the failed operation and channel number is listed.
Note: On PC/XT's and some other systems, page registers are write only and thus can't be tested.
Please check the BIOS on the system and ensure that DMA mode is enabled. If DMA is not available PIO mode will be used. The system will operate just fine although DMA will yield better performance.
-Fred