so after fidgeting with the computer for about 3 hours trying to figure out why I was connecting / disconnecting... unable to read... able to read.
I found my trouble.
my tactrix cable appears to have failed at some point in the year I've owned it. the sad thing is I have no reciept, or money to buy a new one...
I'm sure it's just something as stupid as a soder point, or maybe a cable is a bit loose... but I don't want to take a chance and lose my ecu if it decides to fail on me in mid flash.
i'm a little hard bummed right now.