Are your levels peaking?
maybe you don't have the phantom power on
maybe your not using the side of the mic where the diaphragm is positioned
what kind of interface are you using, maybe adjusting the line level of your interface, What kind of computer specs?
as far as things not working on your computer I had compatibility problems running 32 bit programs on a 64 bit processor when I got a new Dell with the i7. Traded up for a mac and no problems. My problems came about right when higher end PCs were all coming out with 64 bit processing, id figure the major pro audio programs would have updated their drivers by now but maybe not. Your friends computer is probably running 32 bit if its old.
just brainstorming