Yep. All the programs claim they can't detect the camera.

Try another usb port!
Does the camera work on another laptop/PC ?? if not possibly a dodgy cable
What operating system are you on??
open run box and type devmgmt.msc and see if your camera is listed or if there is a yellow exclamation mark here!
Also try turning both laptop and camera off and on again LOL be surprised how often this actually works

You know what mate, the sodding thing actually works now! All I've done since installing the setup was switching the bloody thing on and off again, and it's worked! Driver software was installed successfully and now the programs are working fine.

Thanks for all the help guys. Bloody technology.

Nice to see you`re up and running at last !!

Asuming your camera has n SD or SDHC card in it you can dispense with ANY software or drivers at all. Just pop the card out of the camera and stick it in the SD card slot in your laptop - easy peasy, your photos available in an instant for copying onto your hard drive. By far the easiest way, and no messing with manufacturers bundles of bloatware for the obvious simple operations.

Completely forgot about that. I will do this in future! Cheers.