right click your computer icon, click properties, open the hardware tab then click on device manager. Double click the ports (COM/LPT) and you should see your USB adapter there (radio shack or whatever brand). Double click that port and make sure it is working.

Maybe he loaded the wrong tune?

To the OP: I just installed the phaser locks on a 2006 F150. The locks are slightly different if the fact they do not allow ANY phaser movement. I purchased my programmer from RPMOutlet. A guy there named George can build you a custom program. He is actually going to set my tables to zero degrees ...