What am I missing?

I'm trying to set up a TS-480 and a laptop to do a few of the 'digital' modes. I can get the audio from the radio to the laptop, the laptop to do what it's supposed to with it and display it. I am having a problem getting the audio out of the laptop to the '480 for transmitting, and making the @#$ thing transmit that audio. I've re-wired the data plug to the '480 something like three times. It's still not acting right, won't transmit on 'cue'. I can control the '480 via the RS-232 jack with either the Kenwood program or HRD, bbut not with 'EasyPal', 'Digipan', or 'MMSSTV'. I'll bet it's something 'simple', but I'm just not seeing it. So what am I doing wrong? Any ideas?
- 'Doc


One possibility is the RS-232 to USB port 'converter' program. I've got two, both work okay with the desktop computer, I think they are working with the laptop. How the #3LL would I know at this point?

Mole',
No, and that's the problem.
- 'Doc

I have a serial port designated. Works to control the radio using 'HRD', so would assume the same cable/port would work for Digipan or MMSSTV too. And no, using 'HRD' it doesn't transmit either.
I'm very tempted to just give up and buy an interface. Let 'it' do all this @#$!
- 'Doc

Not in any particular order;

HRD does work as it should except no transmit. The use of HRD was given as an example of the USB drivers working. I don't use HRD when any of the other programs are running. The DM-780 also works except for transmitting, won't transmit either.
I've tried the data port entry for the transmitted signal with the VOX set up (menu#60 both on/off), doesn't key the transmitter. I've tried adjusting audio levels to make sure there's enough to trip the VOX, nothing. I don't have a means of connecting to the mic input, but just holding the mic near the laptop speakers and transmitting via the mic does work. So, it would seem that the transmitter isn't being keyed via the radio's RS-232 port, or the data jack audio input and VOX.
Of the two or three USB/comport drivers I have, all the drivers are still on the laptop (I think), at least I haven't removed them. I have the disks and will reload the @#$ things, again. I've been 'stung' by that one before, so don't typically 'dump' drivers intentionally. (Also having just switched to 'Windows-7', I ain't swearing to nothing!)

I'm in the process of getting an interface (G3LIV) to handle this @#$, but I still want to know why all this happening this way. There are at least two other computer/radio combinations that this is going to have to work on, so the 'why' part is important.

And just as a point of useless information, I don't pull hair when frustrated. I cuss instead. Parents in my neighbor hood have discovered this and children usually only come outside (when I'm outside) wearing ear muffs of some sort. The neighborhood dogs have become used to me. After a really good string of cussing I get appreciation barks from a three block radius. (I know they appreciate it because the ones I can see are wagging their tails.) The barbers of the world still love me.
- 'Doc