Can not sync centro with MSI Wind

Question

I just purchased a new netbook (MSI Wind) and I want to use my Centro for internet (via PdaNet).  I have done this in the past with my MacBook Pro (running Windows XP Pro in boot camp) and with my Latitude D630 (also Windows XP Pro).  For some reason, however, I can't even get hotsync to work with the MSI Wind (running Windows XP home). 
I started out by installing the latest version of PalmDesktop (downloaded from Palm.com).  During the point in time where the installation calls for syncing, I tried to sync and it would not work.  There was no error on the PC.  No hotsync window opened.  Eventually the centro just gave me a generic "can not connect" message: 
"The connection between your handheld computer and the desktop could not be established.  Please check your setup and try again." 
Of course I tried the online support first: http://kb.palm.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE?New,Kb=PalmSupportKB,ts=Palm_External2001,Case=obj(2630)
I did everything I could: disconnect Plam device, soft reset, clean the connector, check the ports, etc.  I used the developer's back door.  I tried rebooting the MSI Wind and trying again.  (Yes, the Palm Desktop application is running.)  I tried plugging my Centro into the Dell Latitude I have laying around.  It synced.  I plugged it back into the MSI Wind.  No die.  I tried multiple ports on the MSI Wind.  The only thing I didn't do is check the HotSync configuration because the link from the KB article is broken: http://kb.palm.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE?New,Kb=PalmSupportKB,ts=Palm_External2001,Case=obj(28536), but I did check all the settings that I could see from the PalmDesktop installation on the Dell (where it works) and the MSI (where it doesn't) and everything looked identical to me.  I also haven't re-installed the PalmDesktop softare (yet) because it doesn't make sense that there would be left-over files from a previous installation given that this is a fresh installation of Windows and the first time I've installed PalmDesktop.
I don't know what the problem is.  Any further suggestions?  It's really a bummer.  The MSI Wind is pretty much useless to me if I can't get internet to it via the cell phone, and I can't do that if I can't even get hotsync to work.
Post relates to: Centro (Sprint)

Answer 1

I managed to get the hotsync to work eventually.  I had tried the USB port on the right and the one on the left closest to the battery.  Neither worked.  I figured if 2 didn't work, the third wouldn't either, but when I plugged it into the USB port on the left farthest from the battery it suddenly started working.
I have no explanation for this.
Now if only I could figure out the darn Bluetooth...
Post relates to: Centro (Sprint)