The problem is the notebook OS. Go to
Sprint PCS Software: Sprint PCS Connection Manager Software from Sprint, select "Windows Vista" for my notebook, select "Sprint PCS Connection Manager for Phone as Modem/USB Cables" and click download. Install it.
Then make the usual connections as discussed above. May be a little slow or awkward, but it is great to use the notebook away from high speed internet with 8703e as the modem for "free".