Update-
I thought maybe it was the laptop I was on, so I switched to another computer in the house. It connected (as it always seems to do the first time) and I was actually able to copy 1 whole file over!
Next program I tried to install it broke the connection mid way through. Now, even after a soft reset it will not connect. ERR!!!
Oh yeah, one more wrench in this thing! Now it says the backup battery is very low again. It was replaced 2 days ago!!!