Unable to locate hardware...003rack+

[tommyknocker]

Using LE 8.0 for almost 2 yrs. now. Had computer built(gave computer guy 3/4 in. guide that came with system) and really had no problems except the "unable to locate hardware" every now and then. Solved problem before by "hot wiring", switching firewire cord on back of 003 rack to other firewire input, clicking "ok" and LE opens........
It will not open now 1) have tried all troubleshooting and optimization, reboot, reinstall drivers,blahblahblah. My question is this: before I sandra report and send it to you guys, we think the ports in the back of the 003 are blown, therfore shipping out to authorized facility,etc..... Now we have taken the 003 out of rack and tried hooking it up to another computer and the device manager did not recognize any hardware, leading us to believe the ports are bad.
2) Two local music shops that sell pro-tools gear have 2 different answers: one agrees with us and the other says the proprietory license in the 003 WILL NOT let any other computer recognize this (003) hardware without having the software installed?
Which is right......cuz I'm all for working thru this problem without shipping the rack out first. Thanks in advance