I found a "fix" for the XP USB issue (At least on my machine). It seems that XP "claims" the connection and emplode won't open it thinking that XP has a hold of it..

What I do is:

1. Right click "My Computer" and go to "Properties" then open "Device Manager".
2. Find the RioCar under USB and disable it. (leave this window open)
3. Start emplode.
4. Go back to Device Manager and "Enable" the RioCar.

Works for me..

EDIT: The REAL solution for me was to steal the NIC from the laptop that wasn't using it and pop it into the new laptop (that has built-in ethernet). Now, the built in ethernet connects to my work's LAN and the 2nd one connects either directly to my empeg or to my home LAN. (My work has assigned IP's, no DHCP.)