Thanks all, I really appreciate your help. But this is a PC issue, not a camera issue--there is no driver nor software.
I'm going to get a card reader rather than a new camera, as I will encounter the same issue with any other Canon (a friend brought his over, same prob). A card reader will skirt the issue. I'd rather fix it of course, but none of my IT nor photographer friends have been able to help, and I've spent hours on this already.
Thanks again.