Why wont my computer recognize my camera?

Why won't my computer recognize my camera/software and transfer my photos?

• I recently got a digital Canon Rebel XS for Christmas. I used to have a Canon Powershot and I had no problems transferring my pictures from the camera to the computer. I took at least 400 pictures during Christmas that my relatives are begging me to share, but for some reason the pictures won't transfer. I installed all of the software and I connected the camera to the computer with the USB cord that came with it. I turned the camera on and the computer does recognize the camera; a window pops up that says 'Camera connected - Select the program to launch for this action'. This is where the problem is. There aren't any programs listed. I would think that the Canon software I installed would show up as an option, and if not than then the Camera Wizard or whatever software I used for my old Canon camera. But nothing shows up. I'm not given the option to browse for a program and I can't click 'Ok'. This happens every single time I try connecting the camera to the computer. I tried opening the software itself (EOS Utility). There are options for 'Control Camera' - 'Starts to Download Images,' 'Lets You Select and Download Images,' 'Camera Settings/Remote Shooting,' and 'Monitor Folder.' I can't click any of these except Monitor Folder, which is of no help to me. It seems like I need to access the first two but they're not lit up, I can't click on them. I tried putting the memory card into my built-in card reader (I have a Dell desktop with Windows XP) and when I put it in the light turns green, but I can't find it anywhere on my computer. When my mom put it in her computer it worked and the images were there, but I want my photos on my own computer for when I go back to college. Does anybody know why this is so messed up? I'll call the company tomorrow if I have to but I hate talking to tech support people on the phone. They never seem to help me.

• Answer:

  I have 3 Canon cameras and I can assure you the Canon people WILL solve your problem. You can send them an email via the Canon site or phone them. When you send an email, you put in your camera info (didn't you register it for warranty purposes?) and they will then have a file open for you.