I've heard thru facebook that they are having trouble with the USB.  I also did but I called cricut support to tell them my issue.  I didn't wait even a minute for someone to answer the phone.  They asked me a few questions to make sure I had followed the directions.  I furnished them the serial number they needed and showed them the error message I was getting.  It was the USB and pod that was in error.  I was shipped a new pod immediately.  The gal on the phone was kind and patient with me.  Thank you cricut for your support.