JP1 Remotes

I've just purchased a URC-6690B00 from Amazon and can't seem to get it to connect to my Windows 2000 computer over a JP1.2 cable from DIYGadget. I can connect the cable (properly so that the remote still functions) and run JP1xtest and the remote LED blinks once, then the Kameleon backlight stays on even after the test indicates that no JP1.x interface was found. When I run Comtest and click on the DTR button it seems that for a split-second the Kameleon backlight flickers but the LED to indicate the remote is communicating does not flash. I have tried plugging the remote into both COM1 and COM2 and neither works. Any suggestions? I have two other computers but neither has a serial port - should I buy a USB to serial adapter or is there some way to make this work without any extra expense? Thanks!

Have you actually tried uploading to or downloading from the remote yet.? I use 8910/9910's and the led on the remote never lights at all, but everything else works.

Also, if using a simple parallel cable, have you read this link?
https://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5849

the 6690 is a jp1.2 remote and only comes in serial at this point and the battery tricks don't apply.