Epson cs5500 scanner software wont work

have an epson cx5500 printer and copier works, but scanner wont - error message comes up:''cannot properly communicate with the scanner. The carriage unit may be locked depending on your scanner model. Make sure the scanner is properly connected and set up to scan. Then turn the scanner off and back on again.''I have checked everything, all connected, uninstalled scanner driver and reinstalled it, no change. HOW CAN I GET THIS THING TO SCAN??I use windows vista and when I check out under scanners in control panel, its recognised and doesnt show any problems with it. HELP!!!