I have a different video camera that I connected to the computer with the same cable, and the computer would not recognize that camcorder either. However, I have connected both camcorders to my VCR with the same firewire cable and had no problems. I also connected the other camcorder to another computer with the same firewire cable and had no problems. Therefore, I believe it's the computer, either the port itself or the software. I called Dell and they said walked me through a diagnostics test and they said it wasn't the firewire PORT, but it was a software issue…I have connected this DV camera to this computer before, so I know it'll work, but I don't know what seems to be blocking it. Any suggestions?