Maybe the software on the disc is for Creative soundcards specifically? I had to email Creative and they gave me some specific info regarding what files to download to get the nomad to work with my pc, here's a copy and paste (maybe this will help?):
You can download the Playcenter software on our website by going to
http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/. Scroll down to "Search by
Filename." Put in a search for PlayCenter3_02_52.exe. We also have a
newer, sleeker media software application that takes the place of
Playcenter you might be interested in called Media Source. To get this,
put in a search for CMS_WEB_1_01_85.exe. Download that as well as
CMS_JBT2Plugins_1_01_07.exe for extended support with your Jukebox 3.
For more downloads pertaining to your Jukebox 3, just go the main
download section and select your product from the three-pane window,
select your operating system, and hit "Go."
still couldn't get it to work, but that sounds like what I need. I'll try it next time I get to a decent connection. much thanks, I was about to get pissed