It is probable that if you are able to connect everything properly and it does not detect anything it means the drivers are missing. I would propose taking a picture of the ports you connect, the cable and a screen shot of Device Manager so we can propose something.
Yes the cards jamesr proposed would have to be added with a screwdriver, and they are compatible only with a desktop PC.
There are firewire-to-usb transfer cables available, but I am not fully sure if it would be compatible with your camera and the cost is somewhat high:
http://www.pixela.co.jp/en/products/tv_capture/pix_uvcd_u1w/spec.html
