I have kinda same problem but its on Win7 and Win2000 Prof.
My Cougar is viewable in the systemsettings ect. But the software wont recognize it. Its says "Detection error" or something. I then erased the firmware. But if I want to use the HOTASUPDATE.exe it says that it will now install the firmware and then gives an error. ON both Win7 and 2000. Any Ideas? I thought about using an older firmware but I cant find one.
Maybe the cougar is broken now, since its not accepting flashing firmwares?
Sorry for my bad english guys.