Sorry to hear about your issue with your mixer/pc.
One problem that has been reported is the Firewire Chip Set in many PC's is not built to the standard required by the SL mixers. You need to check if yours is using the TI chip set. There are (or were) many posts on this site showing how to do this. You may also want to try connecting to another laptop and/or a Mac if possible.
Hope you get it working
Good Luck
Wally

Hey Whitedog,
As Wally said lots of very solid info on forum.
Easiest way is to google "Presonus TI chipset"
and the links will take you to the forum.

Start here...

http://support.presonus.com/entries/218 ... f78ecc7ab7

But here is what I can offer based on my experience.

Based on what I could find out on your laptop...
it isn't a TI Chipset. (sorry) and it is not easy even talking to the manufacture tech support
to get good info.

The on-board chipset needs to Be Texas Instruments.
and if you are using an express card it also needs needs to use The
Texas Instruments Chip set.

Mine is HP Elitebook with Star express card and works fine.

Keep in mind, an approved system with built in firewire is MUCH more
road worthy for recording live shows.

I tape my express card into the laptop. a bump of the firewire cable can dislodge the card
and bring everything to a screeching halt! which at times can require a reboot!

The express card itself sticks out of the slot and is vulnerable!!
I haven't broken it in two yet but it is fragile and could easily break off from the card
section inside the slot.

I carry a second card as a spare. (in a hard shell eyeglass case)

Not my intent to be a 'Debbie Downer' just want you to be prepared.
I've recorded a ton of live shows flawlessly with capture with my SL24.4.2 classic.

Good Luck!
Bob