Pantech UM197 3g card

I got this via Verizon, replacing my Cricket mobile broadband USB modem. It activates okay, when when it gets to the “please wait for initialization” step, it never progresses. If I click cancel, it take a Loooong time to finally quit. Is there a Windows (XP home) setting that’s in the way, a residual Cricket issue? Any ideas? I’ve had it at Best Buy (where I got the modem) and Verizon technician. They’re stumped.