The next question is are you updating it though Desktop Manager or the Crackberry way. I updated mine with DM (desktop manager) and it worked perfectly and you do not need to unplug or plug it during the right time - it does everything for you so the communications ports do not need to be addressed. As for app loader - it usually lunches communication port when the blackberry is not connected to the computer or the software is not installed. Make sure you either download DM from blackberry's website or just pop the cd inside and install it. Than you will have the appropriate drivers for you computer to recognize your blackberry.
Trust me installing the cd is not bad - not doing it is the bad thing
