The 850 is a tricky remote to connect. For example on my last 3 laptops I've always had to plug in the cable to the computer (using a USB to serial adapter), then plug the cable into the remote and then start the software. If I start the software before connecting the cable it will not connect. Sometimes if I disconnect the remote to test programming, then hook the remote back up to the cable it won't connect. Then I have to restart my laptop and start the process all over again. Also what operating system are you using? Your USB adapters may not work with it. My newest laptop is windows 8 and it wouldn't connect using the adapter I had been using for my previous 2 laptops (windows 7 and vista). So I picked up an iogear guc232a installed the drivers and I have been good ever since. Also make sure the com port settings in the software match up with the com port your adapter is using. Hope this helps