i tried all of that already.

when i pull up WMDC, all i get is a box that says

enable usb connections. i have that checked.
enable bluetooth connections. i have that unchecked.

i've seen other screenshots where people get some whole different stuff for their device center, which i guess pops up after the device is synced.

and then in the Sync Center, theres no partnership created, nor the option to create one.

i can sync seamlessly with XP no problem, so i know it's not the phone.

when i plug it up, the phone recognizes its connected, and says connected on the activesync screen, but when you press the Sync soft key, nothing happens.

i loved this phone to death until all of this. ive never seen a 600$ Smartphone have a problem with syncing.
thats the entire purpose of the phone in most cases. people buy them for the calender sync options, contact backup, tasks, etc.
you should plug a wire in to connect it, and press sync and be done with it!
ahhhhhh