Error: Cannot find scanner!

I used the HPPrecisionScanLT 4200C "just fine last week".
Now it says it can't find it. I've shut down, unplugged,
readjusted, rebooted, etc. Done this too:
Start-Settings-Cont. Panel-system icon-device mgr.
tab-imaging device-highlited the HPScan-remove-ok-
Then: hit "refresh"; it displayed "hdw. found".
I tried uninstalling, and reinstalling.
When asked if I want to try HP (as it's trying to do it, it
sounds like it's STUCK....click, click, click. Checked the
lock all ok there.
Error now reads: Cannot find scanner, you may have a
scanner connected but HPPSLT was unable to locate it. Do
you want to run HPPSLT without scanner? I said yes, and it
proceeded to do a test scan and it was successful as I
saved the document to my desktop and to my docs; and they
were there.
Have gone to start, programs, control panel, add-remove, it
said it did remove it so I could try to reinstall again,
but the uninstall icon has a red x thru it and looks like a
do not enter sign.
SO: windows tells me it's in there, but it can't find it,
can't remove it either. I've been on the HP site and
followed three procedures to cure and it's a no-go. HELP
SOMEONE!