the ua-5 is only usb 1, but it'll work thru a usb2. you can probably do 24/48 but i wouldn't try 24/96 cuz i heard it has issues with the 24/96. however, if you do 24/48 you'll have to resample and dither in post.
soundforge, wavelab, cool edit (adobe audition) are all great programs to record into, but if you don't want to buy something pricey you could always use cd wav to record and samplitude to resample.
if you do 24bit, make sure to install the advanced drivers onto the laptop and make sure the ua-5 and recording program are setup properly. and also resample first, dither second.