just guessing and thinking out loud but....

When connected via firewire, the camea was turned on right? You never specifically said so I guess I have to check the obvious. Also, what mode was the camera in. It would need to be in playback mode - or whatever it;s called on your camera for the mode where you can just playback the footage your've hit. VCR mode?

Also, if you'll be capturing via firewire you should have no use whatsoever for the USB drivers so uninstall them.

Make sure you don't have both the USB and firewire connections made at the same time as well.

Also, whether windows suddentl 'recognises' the camera or not when plugged in, open you capture utility and check the video feed from there.

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