problems connecting to motec

iv got problems connecting to my motec m4 pro,my serial number is over 3000 so iv been told i just have to connect a serial cable into it which iv done but my laptop doesnt recognise it all all,iv tried a new laptop with a usb adapter and that didnt work so then i tried an older laptop with a serial port and still nothing,its on the right com port so i cant figure it out,