QTR-Quadtone RIP

Hi - I am new to the group.  I have a strong photographic background, 
but not strong computer skills.  New R1800 with with K7 neutral inks 
(first set).  It was working and I was begining to get the hang of 
it.  Prints looked good.  Then it started feeding the paper thru and 
not printing.  I tried printing with the Epson print driver and at 
first it did the same thing.  But then it did begin printing with the 
Epson driver, but it would not print with the QTR.  I called Epson and 
they had me check out the printer and the fire wire cable.  Everthing 
checked out okay.  I tried using the QTR again and it still sent the 
paper thru without printing.  Piezography Jeff (Inkjet Mall) said it 
could be the fire wire cable and suggested using a usb.  With the usb 
it does print with the Epson  print driver but now in the QTR on the 
bottom right corner it says "not monitoring" and it does nothing.  I'm 
lost, can anyone help.  I've spent hours and gotten no where.   
  Thanks Michael G