Why won't my phone sync?

[dotdotdot]

I know you have to sync it first before you can really do anything, right? Well when I press the hotsync button on the USB cord it takes awhile (like, 5 minutes) trying to connect, then it says "The connection between your handheld and the desktop could not be established. Please check your setup and try again" I have downloaded what I need to, so why isn't this working?

[xtatic5]

did you install the software (CD) that came with the device? this will walk you through your first hotsyncing session. is your USB securely connected?

[lmw]

also check to make sure that the hotsync manager is running. You'll see the little round blue/red icon in your system tray. If it's not there, go to your program list, in the palm folder, and click on it. I have mine set to always be running.