Generic OBD-II tool/cable ???

I have a generic OBD-II/VAG COM tool cable.
I have tried using the ROSS-TACH 409-1 and -1S software.
It will see some components when I use it but I can’t get it to see CEL codes.
It says comnication failed.

The question is what VAG-COM tool/cable and software are you using?
How old is the tool and what version of the software are you using?

I think the shareware version of the software is highly restricted.

this thread discusses another option

http://audirevolution.net/forum/index.php?topic=340.0