I really hate to lose gear which works well that I have used for years. Like losing a friend.
Does Windows make the USB connect sound when the Alpha is plugged in?
Can you see the Alpha in Device Manager?
This is a hail Mary but have you tried a USB 2 only port ?
Some older gear has trouble with USB 3 ports.
Also what about legacy USB mode in the BIOS? (usually for USB 1.0)
I am not sure if the Alpha is USB 1.0,1.1 or 2.