Video import problems on Win 7 Latitude E4300 via 1394 firewire

I'm having trouble importing video from a Sony DCR-PC350 mini DV camera to a Latitude E4300 over a i1394 firewire.  I know this is posible because it actually worked the other day - I saw video streaming into capture with Windows Live Photo Gallery.  I just can't replicate this no matter what I try.  The problem seems to be with the recognition that camera is attached.  Whether I use Photo Gallery or Movie Maker, the camera does not show up in the Import Photos and Videos window (although it did the other day when this worked.)  I've made no config changes to the machine, i just think the connection was flaky from the start.

Can anyone point me to a detailed troubleshooting guide for this?