I recently bought a Rocket eBook Reader. It is supposed to plug into a serial port in order to download books and magazines. After over an hour with a Gemstar Tech, we proved nothing wrong with the Rocket, but for some reason my computer can't find the Reader. I opened the computer case and found the port not plugged into anything inside my computer. The Rocket is set up to launch a search for the port to which it is plugged, but I keep receiving an error message which says "one or more serial ports are not in use. You should either plug your Rocket eBook into an available port or if you think your Rocket is plugged in, verify your rocket is turned on." The settings window (for the Rocket) lists COM1 and COM2 as being present, but no Rocket. It also lists COM4 as having another device plugged in. My research has indicated this failure to connect can be traced to IRQ settings. But I am lost as to the adjustments I can or should attempt.
For background purposes, this computer was built for me by an acquaintance who is no longer available for help. He "forgot" to connect the port for the printer which I discovered when attempting to hook up my new printer. I was able to plug it in to the proper place, but have not been so lucky with the Rocket eBook.
I have struggled with this situation for so long the 30 day return policy for the Rocket has expired so I MUST find a way to use it.
Any ideas. Other than the murder of the guy who built the computer. I have already thought of that.

Thannk-you,
Jan

The Busy Person's Guide to..... http://wz.com/hobbies/IntrotoAstronomy.html http://wz.com/arts/SciFiAuthors.html

So did you plug the serial port ribbon cable into the correct header on the motherboard? If you don't know where to put it (and don't have the mobo manual) it should be printed on the board itself...if not, you can use the bios string to id the board and try to find a manual...

If the serial port is connected to the motherboard, make sure it's not reversed...

Wow! What a quick response, thanks!
I plugged it in to the only place I could find at hand on the motherboard. But nothing happened. I will reverse the manner in which I have it plugged and let you know.

Thanks again.

Jan