I'm not sure if theres something special I'm not doing but neither my computer nor the VA software are recognizing my connection to the remote.. though it does make that recognition sound when I connect the usb cable... any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

maybe you haven't installed the driver. you can try as follows:

Download the driver installer and Assistant installer(.exe) form official web. and then try that again.

Thanks for the input Steve. I will certainly try this once I stop hearing horror stories of updating controllers. Currently I think I may have dodged a bullet and somewhat wish I didn't upgrade the batteries or QC.