PC: Compaq presario 5000
OS: WinMe (alas); updating to XP tonight (hopefully)
ipod: 15G

Synopsis: I have seen lounge advice on firewire cards but NOT on combo cards. Please advise. I'm stuck with a new ipod I can't use yet.

I just received a 15G ipod (and just joined lounge) and am dying to get ipoding!! It won't configure (stalls at 0% so I skipped it) and is unrecognized by MMJB. All other software seemed to install fine. My (just installed) Belkin firewire/usb2 combo card seems to be working fine (drivers show up in system hardware file, etc). ipod responds with "do not disconnect" message and seems to be charging via firewire port.

After unsuccessful tips via apple tech line I am installing tonight WinXP and hoping that will help (though I see clearly from this forum that it may not). Apple tech suggested it may be my Belkin card (he seemed to be guessing); but it's a high end card and claims to be Me, 2000, XP compatible. I want a backup card to install should I need to change. BUT- I want to have a COMBO firewire/usb2 card and thus would like advice on what to have handy should I need to change cards. Anyone successfully installed a combo fw/usb2 card (with Me or XP) and ipodded without weeping and gnashing of teeth?

thanks in advance,
Wayne