Windows does not need to find the decoder box for it to work. The Windows will not even know what it is. The timing software does. If the drivers are installed correctly, it should work. You also may need to adjust which port it is on. The serial to usb adapter is "simulating" a serial port on the usb port. You should be able to go into devices on the computer and look for serial adapter and see if it is functioning. Also sometimes, you may need to go into the usb adapter and make sure the power is on all the time. That is also under devices. Sometimes they are setup as a power saver profile, and the usb will be off even if the adapter is plugged in.