Ecrix VXA-1 install

Hello experts,

I'm trying to install an Ecrix VXA-1 tape drive for use with Windows NT Backup.
I've already installed the NT Driver for the tape drive.
And everything looks ok as far as the device settings go. ie. "the device is working properly"

when i go into NT Backup, it sees the tape drive but when i try and do a backup, it fails... this is from Backup.log:
Error reported:
Hardware failure.

Backup completed on 3/13/03 at 3:27:50 PM.
Backed up 0 files in 0 directories.

OH and another thing, this is what i get when i try to update the firmware:

Loading Firmware
Copying C:\Program Files\Ecrix\Drive Tool\V2D9D.hex code to device ...
Failed to update SCSI host  0 target 11: ETI_STATUS_FAIL
Update timed out host  0 target 11: US_INTERFACE_FAIL

Processed 0 bytes in  1 second.


Backup Status

Tape device reported an error on a request to write data to tape.

Error reported:
Hardware failure.

Backup completed on 3/13/03 at 3:28:44 PM.
Backed up 0 files in 0 directories.
Processed 0 bytes in  1 second.
Unknown tape format message: 0.

Yes, the tapes are the ones for use with this tape drive.

What am i missing?

oh and btw, this is the result of my "Short Test" using VXA Tool:
03/13/03 15:52:57
--- Running Short Test ---
Rewinding...
Write 540 meg in fixed mode...
   Host Adapter Status: Bus Reset
--- Short Test Failed ---

03/13/03 15:53:13
Done
Complete