That worked way better and was WAY less expensive than buying packages and packages of these. I triple checked my drivers and software. It would also be really nice if it gave a low-battery warning when powering the headset off. I thought maybe the first closest broke because I moved it while close were stored inside, figured it had just gave out a few months after but now I see its the plastic connectors. these are a different kind of monster. The sound quality of these buds is pretty great - great bass, wide range, comfortable in the ear, etc. I long for the day that I get a piece of cheap press-board furniture equipped with Robertson screws throughout, complete with a nifty Robertson screwdriver - but, we cant have everything, and until then, this is the best press-board furniture Ive ever had to assemble. In assembling these, I was puzzled why there were eight rubber feet for the bottom rack and not just four. I don?t have any complaints. Ive worn them outside to get the mail without damage, but probably wont make a habit out of it so they last longer.