hi guys. thx for the quick reply.
Patrick, here's my laptop system specs:

i checked my usb controllers in device manager and i have 2. 1 of the usb controllers was used by the webcam. i disabled it and it still didn't detect the second controller. i am waiting for my express card to arrive. if that doesn't work i will try my friend's desktop pc. if that doesn't work i am running out of ideas.

Greenlaw. u r right, i am using a laptop. my deivce manager shows 2 usb controllers. 1 of them was used by a usb composite device (webcam) i disabled both, it freed up the usb controller but still couldn't detect the second kinect. i tried all my different usb ports with no success. concerning my harddrive i think it's a standard one:

it might be a problem if i don't have a SSD drive, but why do i get a good FPS with an older version of the recorder? it doesn't make sense. i also have a Geforce G210M card with 500MB ram. Anyway if i can't get good FPS with 2 kinects with the older version, when i get the setup going, i might try recording on a desktop machine.
i appreciate all the help. plz let me know if u have any more ideas.
have a good weekend.
thx.