Just as a test, install Exact Audio Copy (link in my signature) to see if the "installed external ASPI device" option is available in the menu (EAC > Drive Options > Interface tab). This should let us know if AC just isn't seeing that ASPI is installed or if it in fact is not being installed.

With EAC, I used all sorts of ASPI programs like the one from Adaptec (that was not available online for some time) and ForceASPI. But someone came out with the process in my guide and it works quite well. All you have to do is save a .dll file to the EAC folder.

I know what you mean about wanting to get your money's worth. I paid for MusicMatch, some version of Real and another ripper program whos name is escaping me now before I settled on EAC (for free!). But I wasn't getting good results like you were.