Thanks
the "Release ASIO driver in background box" is unchecked.
attempting to tweak the sample rate to match soundcard etc.

The Midi/VST issue is I can load up sounds in cubase but when I try to record nothing happens, A) no sound , B) nothing records, c) no notation on the track whatsoever

*as far as VST If I attempt to run something like Kontakt driven player (Adrenaline synth) it will play as a standalone but I cannot controll it with the keyrig25 controller

Running on a Toshiba Satellite A105-S4011, MS Win XP Home, Intel Solo Core Processor