Firewire unreliable

Hi, I've got a problem. I have a FireWire card in my PC (Windows 7 - 64) and a camera that connects via FireWire. The problem is getting the computer to recognize the camera via FireWire. I've tried clicking Add a device under devices and printers. I've tried Scan for hardware changes in Device Manager. I've tried adding legacy devices in Device Manager. I've tried restarting the computer with the camera plugged into FW and on, I've tried it witht the camera off then logging into my account then turning the camera on. I've tried playing the tape in the camera, then plug the cord into it. I've tried plugging the cord in then turning on the camera and playing the tape. etc.......

The funny thing is eventually it just works for seemingly no reason, but by the time it finally recognizes the camera the battery is half dead and if I don't transfer pretty quickly the battery will die before the tape is done.

If this were USB I'd run something like USBDeview and see what it thinks is plugged in. But I don't see anything like that for FireWire.

Any help or insight is appreciated.

Windows 7 Home Premium (x64) Service Pack 1 (build 7601)
3.10 gigahertz AMD Phenom II X2 550
8192 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
VIA 1394 OHCI Compliant Host Controller

The camera is a Canon XL-1s (used)

 

What model of camera? and what model firewire card?

 

I edited my original message while you were typing your reply.

The camera is a Canon XL-1s http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/suppo...ofessional_camcorders/xl1s#DriversAndSoftware Canon does not supply any software or drivers for it and the manual (available online) doesn't really go into it either.

As for the card I'm not sure. I bought it long ago, moved, and have lost the box and all paperwork. Belarc just says VIA 1394 OHCI Compliant Host Controller

 

Upon further fiddling with things the camera recognizes the DV connection when I plug the wire in but rarely does the computer. Plugging in and unplugging multiple times appears to work eventually, so at least I'm not doing the restart, log off/on, install new hardware dance.

 

Hrm, i have never had trouble with an xl1, how ever we capture to macs not pcs, and i wonder if its not an issue with your fire-wire card/cord. Do you know anyone with fire-wire on there pc you could test your hookup with? That would eliminate half your trouble shooting there.