Problems with previously working Targus ACP70USZ with new Windows 8.1 machine

[paco_charte]

I recently traded in an HP Envy with Windows 7 for a machine with Windows 8.1 at Costco because it was the same price with a backlit keyboard. I'd been using the Targus dock with that system seamlessly for the past 6 months.

In Windows 8.1 after I install the DisplayLink software (v7.7 mk3 fresh install), I can see the DisplayLinkManager and the DisplayLinkUserAgent processes running in Task Manager, but there is no icon in the system tray at all (as there was with Windows 7) and I have no way of actually opening the popup GUI and making any changes. I've seen a Regedit type fix for a similar issue, but I'm not sure that a simple registry key is the problem here.

I only noticed the System Tray icon issue because my external monitor was not working (no video input detected since plugging the Windows 8.1 machine into the dock) and when I go to Device Manager, the Targus/DisplayLink system only shows up as "Generic Super Speed USB Hub". So Windows is seeing it as a basic hub, but not "talking to" the DisplayLink drivers/software.

Additionally, Windows does not detect the external speakers plugged into the dock/hub.

Everything but external audio and video seems to be working (mouse, kb), so Windows isn't seeing the DisplayLink software/drivers.

A further issues is that the firmware updater from Targus apparently can't make contact with the device and the firmware update fails.

This is very bizarre and it seems like it's probably a software problem.

Other info: I've tried the most recent v7.7 Mk3 from a fresh install, then I uninstalled it, used the cleaning tool and tried v7.6 from the Targus website (may just link to DisplayLink), but neither works.

Again, Windows views the USB driver as "Generic Super Speed USB Hub" and I have lost functionality of my external monitor (both via HDMI and DVI) and speakers when running them through the hub. Have replaced the DVI cable as well as the HDMI cable and no go. I'm not finding anything online that speaks to this particular issue.