BS2 found on BOE, BS2E a dud?

Archiver

Ok, I never thought this would happen to me too,
but here I am:

Problem: BS2E not recognized by a control-I.
BS2 works fine.

This is on a working BOE (Board of Education),
so the usual pin 6-7 advice, power supply advice moot.

With a BS2 in the BOE, Stampw_v1_096.exe
finds it right away on COM1. Every time.

Remove power to BOE,
unplug BS2,
plug in brand new BS2E (never used, just got it)
restore power,
control-I gives the dreaded:

Basic Stamp II detected but not respomnding on COM1!
Check power supply.

Also:

Same exact thing happens if I substitute the INEX-1000
board for the BOE. BS2 found, BS2E nope.

Either the answer will make me look foolish
(please! Make me look foolish!)
or I got a dud BS2E?

Thanks in advance!

Ken N2TIA
n2tia@a...