There can be any number of reasons why this could be happening. A bad cable could be one. Compatibility issue could be another. One of the common problems is an issue on some cameras where there is a corruption on the memory card where it will only read through a Card Reader and not on the camera. When the card is re-formated this usually goes away.
If when you connect the camera to the computer you hear and see some indication that the connection has been established, you should be able to go to “My Computer” and see the addition of another drive. Usually named “Removable Media”. If you don't hear or see an indication that the camera and computer have connected (and the camera is on) than it is probably a bad USB cable. If everything seems to connect and there is no drive icon than it my be a driver issue. Go the the manufactures website and update the driver for that camera model and try again.
A easy solution is a multi card reader. That way you can leave the card reader attached to you computer at all times and don't have to use you camera to upload your photos.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...

Very few cameras are not Vista compatible so the list would be rather long. If there is any doubt check the packaging and look for the Vista logo. Some older but still active models may not be Vista friendly and might require are firmware update or patch to work. These can be easily updated online.

I wish it was as simple as saying...”Get this one...it's perfect for beginners”...but I cant do that.
When starting out in the Digital era, it's best for you to look at what needs you have for your “camera to be”.
Do you want small and compact to fit in a pocket and take with you every where? Than a compact or slim line camera is for you and not a Advanced or D-SLR. Do you want to take sports and action photos and want the camera to have a quick response time and expandable? Than a compact would be too slow and frustrating and cannot be expanded to grow with you... so you'll need to look at a D-SLR.
If you have any SLR film experience it will translate over to the D-SLR cameras.

Setting a budget can be helpful....to an extent. High end Compact, Advanced and entry level D-SLR cameras are now only a few dollars away from each other. Making the choice more difficult for beginners. So deciding what type of photography you might want to do will help give you a direction of which camera type to look at.

Cameras need to feel right to You, in Your hand. Go to your nearest BestBuy and try a few at the demo counter. See which one is small or fast enough, easy to understand and feels right in your hand.
Keep in mind that “Point n Shoot” is a feature...not a type of camera. ALL cameras have a full auto mode. Be it a $99 compact to a $5000 Pro D-SLR....they ALL have a full auto mode making them a Point n Shoot.
Hope this helps and you find YOUR camera...digital photography is fun and the possibilities are endless.

Very few Compact Cameras have viewfinders. And what few do, the viewfinder is always at a slight offset from the lens position. It's more of a “Peephole”. Only a D-SLR will give true Through The Lens view finding. Here are two compacts with viewfinder.
The Canon Powershot A1000IS:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...

and the Sony DSC-W120:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...