Unable to use firewire Sony handycam DCR...

Hi ,
I am using a sony Handycam DCR-HC 54E (mini DV ) . It works well but i am not able to transfer it to the comp using the firewire (iLink). I bought a firewire cable (4 pin-4 pin) ( not Sony's iLink cable as it is 15 times costlier than other local brand available) and connected to a sony Vaio laptop which had a 4 pin firewire connection. I had installed the handycam software which came with the camera (picture motion browser). But when i connect the camera using the firewire i get the message " Cannot find Handycam (tape).Check the iLink connection to the camera" in the import from tape window.
I tried all sorts of things to trouble shoot.
Switched off the comp and restarted.
Swiched off the camera and started.
Closed the software and restarted.
Reattached the firewire cable . Exchanged the computer and camera ends of the cable.
Changed the firewire cable ( although i could not check this cable also with another device.)
Tried in another laptop.
Used other softwares like Sony's Click to DVD and Adobe
Attached USB cable simultaneously
There is an option in the camera ( from menu in Play/edit mode) called USB streaming . I tried both the 'on' and 'off ' positions of this option.
After all this no result !

I always used AC power for the camera. I used to switch on the camera and go to play /edit mode and play the recorded clip. But all i am seeing is a blue screen in 'Import from tape' window with all the buttons disabled.I am able to transfer the images to the laptop using the USB cable (through picture motion browser) but i am not satisfied with the quality. I heared that it is much better with iLink so i tried . I have not gone to the sony dealer as i am afraid he may ask me to buy Sony iLink cable and want to keep this as the last option

Can anyone please help ?