IR cable is not controling Dish DVR 522 and I can't record

Here is my setup:

HP Desktop m8100n.
Vista Home Premium x86t.
Hauppage Win TV HVR-1600 NTSC/ATSC Combo.
Windows Media Center.
Satellite: Dish Network Receiver DVR 522.

I have the coax running from the receiver (TV 1 out) to "cable in" at back of desktop. I was able to setup the signal, though once it gets to the remote control setup it relays that it was able to recognize it, but then can't change the channel with the receiver. I have the IR cable plugged into slot 1 and the end stuck right in front of the Dish DVR receiver IR sensor. I can't record anything because it says the my IR cable isn't installed and it can't change to the channel. I would be happy just recording live . I have researched online and tried every alternate way of setting up the channels to no avail. I can watch tv fine. I was able to get the guide setup. I read online that one guy useda universal remote and that worked for him, though I would prefer to resolve the issue and get it working as it properly should. I tried setting Media Center up without the remote, but for some unacceptable reason, you can't set it up without a remote. Thanks so much for your time.

Chris